The nation's No. 1 player, Pat Baldwin Jr, talks his recruitment and more

One of the nation’s top-rated players, if not the top-rated player, Pat Baldwin Jr. recently cut his list to ten programs. The list includes Duke, Georgetown, Michigan, UCLA, Virginia, Wisconsin, Kentucky, North Carolina, Milwaukee, and Northwestern. 

The skilled 6-foot-9 forward out of Sussex (Wisc.) is arguably the nation’s top-rated prospect out of the 2021 class. Set to play with Phenom University this summer, also associated with Team Herro, Baldwin Jr. was expected by many to dominate on the circuit this summer. With COVID-19 hitting the world, that opportunity was taken away.

Now, in talking with Baldwin Jr. he’s focused on just remaining prepared and working hard in the gym. He discussed that and more with Stockrisers.com.

How’s your off-season been, any improvements to your game that will really shock people?

Baldwin Jr: “Off-season has been great I would say. I’ve been working with my dad all summer and I believe I’ve seen a ton of improvements. The focus this summer was to evolve from being just a shooter to being a more well-rounded offensive threat. I also think you’ll see an improvement athletically from this summer.”

What about physically, Did you get stronger at all?

Baldwin Jr: “Yeah, I definitely feel a lot stronger. I’ve been hitting the weights a lot lately and it’s definitely paying off.”

Make your case for you to be the top-rated player in the country.

Baldwin Jr: “I think it’s because I can bring a skill that helps any team win. I already have a defined skill that is shot-making, now I’m just building on that.”

Now onto your recruitment, how’s that been?

Baldwin Jr: “Recruitment is going great so far. I talk to pretty much every school on my list frequently.”

What would playing for your father at UW-Milwaukee mean to you?

Baldwin Jr: “Playing for my dad would be huge right now. I think they have some really good pieces coming in for next year that could help me compete at a high level with them.”

UCLA is your lone West Coast option, discuss them.

Baldwin Jr: “UCLA is a prestigious school with a ton of deep history. Having to possibly follow in the footsteps of great basketball players is always intriguing.”

Michigan, very intriguing spot, discuss their recruitment of you?

Baldwin Jr: “And Michigan has pleasantly surprised me as of late. I’m a huge film guy and they’ve frequently sent me a film of their offense and even went in-depth on it during a zoom call. Coach Howard’s program is headed in the right direction and it appears to be a really great basketball orientated environment from what I’ve picked up.” 

Duke, Kentucky, and North Carolina, they remain in heavy contact?

Baldwin Jr: “Yeah, so the blue blood schools have still been in heavy contact.”

Northwestern a realistic possibility?

Baldwin Jr: “Northwestern is still a possibility.”

Which guys have been on you about teaming up?

Baldwin Jr: “The only one I’ve discussed right now is with Paolo [Banchero] and AJ [Griffin] at Duke. It hasn’t been anything ridiculous but it’s just a possibility.”

Where are you at with a time-table for a commitment?

Baldwin Jr: “No timetable as of now, but I do feel closer to a decision than I was a few weeks ago.”

Planning anymore zoom calls?

Baldwin Jr: “None have been scheduled. I’m looking to do one with Duke soon.”

Big season ahead of you, what is your top-goal entering your senior year?

Baldwin Jr: “My goal is to win a state championship. Everything else will come with work.”