Analyzing top 6 uncommitted players in 2021 NCAA Basketball recruiting class
F Patrick Baldwin Jr. – No. 4 overall prospect
Teams involved: Duke, Georgetown, and Milwaukee
One of the best all-around players in the class, Baldwin is a 6’9 combo forward that can handle the ball on the perimeter and create mismatches against just about anyone in college. He’s already a great shooter and can play defense as well, making him an even more intriguing prospect for the 2022 NBA Draft. If Baldwin’s offense proves to be elite in college, he has the case of being the No. 1 overall pick.
Throughout his recruitment, there have been two teams mainly involved with Baldwin Jr. The most notable is the Duke Blue Devils, who would once again have the No. 1 overall recruiting class if they land him. He would join fellow top-10 overall forward prospects, Paolo Banchero and AJ Griffin, along with top-20 shooting guard Trevor Keels.
If Duke lands Baldwin, the frontcourt rotation will likely have all three five-star forwards starting, along with sophomore center Mark Williams. Baldwin and Griffin play somewhat a similar game but this recruit in question is more comfortable playing on the perimeter. While playing for the Blue Devils offers plenty of upside and potential in terms of exposure and playing for a hall of fame head coach, there’s the chance that he plays 3rd or even 4th option in the offense, which would hurt his overall draft stock.
For those who still don’t know, Milwaukee’s head coach is Baldwin’s father. He’s been the head coach of the Panthers for four years, amassing a 47-70 record, and has yet to have a .500 season. That’ll likely change if they can have Baldwin join and wreak havoc in the Horizon League, with leading scorer DeAndre Gholston set to return.
Far as his draft stock goes, it may be an issue to evaluate Baldwin in the Horizon League. The projected top-3 picks in the upcoming draft didn’t come from traditional powerhouse programs (Gonzaga, USC, and Ok State) but they still played much tougher competition than what Milwaukee goes through.
With all due respect to the Hoyas, this comes down to whether or not the young Baldwin will want to play or his father. With a decision coming soon, I doubt that he would string this along just to say not to him. Look for the Horizon League to have a lot more eyeballs during league play next season.