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NCAA Basketball: 3 exciting mid-major programs to watch in 2021-22 season

By Cody Mitchell

JACKSONVILLE, FL - MARCH 20: The NCAA March Madness logo on the floor during the NCAA Basketball First round practice session at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on March 20, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - MARCH 20: The NCAA March Madness logo on the floor during the NCAA Basketball First round practice session at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on March 20, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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NCAA Basketball Patrick Baldwin Jr. Baldwin Hamilton
NCAA Basketball Patrick Baldwin Jr. Baldwin Hamilton /

UW Milwaukee Panthers

This one is pretty obvious, whenever a mid-major program signs such a highly-touted recruit there is going to be a buzz. Patrick Baldwin Jr., the 4th rated recruit for 2021 decided Wednesday to play for his father and skip out on playing in Cameron Indoor. Baldwin is going to single handily get Milwaukee on some ESPN 2 games, arguably the most exposure the program has ever received.

Baldwin is a 6’10 highly skilled forward who can play any position on the floor. He has an excellent stroke from the outside and is just so fluid with the ball you tend to forget how tall he is. He has been compared to Denver Nuggets “star” Michael Porter Jr. With similar size and similar build we will see if he can have a real college season, unlike Porter who was sidelined by injuries virtually his entire freshman year.

The Panthers are also bringing back leading scorer from a year ago DeAndre Gholston. Gholston averaged over 16 points last season and shot over 37% from distance. Having Baldwin in the mix should only help him out.

With all the attention opposing coaches are going to use on Baldwin it should open plenty of scoring opportunities for Gholston. Junior Josh Thomas would love to take on some of those opportunities as well. 12 points a night last year and seems to be on the verge of a breakout as long as he can get his touches.

Next. WTE hot seat rankings for 2021-22. dark

With a combination of Baldwin’s commitment and a few key returning contributors, I would be surprised if they don’t wind up at the top of the Horizon League standings. Conference tournaments are so unpredictable, but with this talented roster, I’m willing to buy into the Panthers over any other team in the conference.

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