Patrick Baldwin Jr. Is the New Face of Panthers Basketball

Patrick Baldwin Jr. is the new face of panther’s basketball. Baldwin has worked toward his dream of in the NBA since he was a child. Baldwin attended Hamilton high school in Sussex, Wi where he averaged 24 points per game. Baldwin is a top-five NBA prospect going into next year’s draft and received offers from Duke and Arizona State. Baldwin decided to take his talents to UWM this summer and play for the city he grew up in and his Father, Patrick Baldwin Sr.

“it’s just a super neat experience to be the first person to have that potential,” said Baldwin.

Baldwin said that he does not feel pressure to be the first panther to make it to the NBA. Baldwin said from the more local perspective he does not feel there is a ton of pressure. Baldwin said that he doesn’t like to think about those pressures that much.

“I think big scoring wings are guys that I kind of look after,” said Baldwin. “I think, in the NBA right now, Jayson Tatum and Khris Middleton are good guys to look after.”

Baldwin said that he models his game after these guys because of their ability to get to their spots on the floor. Baldwin said that it is important to learn from them how to use his size against smaller guards and use his athleticism against taller big men.

“Playing with Pat is amazing,” said guard Nick Pappas

Pappas raved about Baldwin and said that he is a super humble and hardworking guy. Pappas said that Baldwin doe does not expect any special treatment and gets upset when he receives any special treatment.

Pappas also said that having Baldwin Sr. as the Coach and Baldwin Jr. as a player brings greater light to the family dynamic that they want in the locker room.

“Pat brings height and a lot of talent,” said Pappas.

Pappas said that Baldwin’s ability to score at will bring a huge lift at the offensive end. Pappas also said that he will create chances for other players and get them the ball.

“Just seeing him and seeing a guy I played with and competed with in practice every day make it to that high of a level just gives you motivation,” said Baldwin.

Baldwin is talking about the Milwaukee native and now Atlanta Hawk, Jalen Johnson. Baldwin said that he grew up with Johnson and looks at his process for pointers to get to the NBA level.

“Team USA taught me how to compete at a high level,” said Baldwin.

Baldwin was a part of the gold medal awarded U19 FIBA world cup team. Baldwin said that he had not got that level of competition in a while due to his ankle dislocation that left him of the basketball court for eight months.

Baldwin said that the experience helped him believe in himself. Baldwin said that competing at this level gave him confidence in his game coming off the injury and for the next season.

“I played with a lot of guys that you will hear about for years to come,” said Baldwin.

Baldwin said that he played with Chet Holmgren, Jaden Ivy and Kenneth Loften Jr. Baldwin also said that he also played against a 7’5 foot Frenchman, Victor Wembanyama. Baldwin said that he hopes to keep a good relationship with them over the years.

“It requires you to think the game more than you play the game,” said Baldwin.

Baldwin talked about how he feels that today’s NBA caters to his playstyle. Baldwin said that likes how the floor is more spaced and there is more shooting. Baldwin said that it is just a fun brand of basketball to watch.

“I think that just finally being able to see other people outside,” said Baldwin.

Baldwin said that he is enjoying campus but has not gone to do too much outside of going to class. Baldwin said that likes that he can meet new people with different ethnicities and backgrounds to get new perspectives.

“Get your work done before you play,” said Baldwin.

Baldwin said that it is important to keep a good balance between school and basketball, but the main thing is the main thing, referring to basketball. Baldwin said concepts in class do come easy to him, so nothing should stop him from being excellent in the classroom.

“typically, before a game, I’ll have no headphones, no music,” said Baldwin.

Baldwin talked about how he thinks that music distracts him before a game. Baldwin said that he just wants to focus on the game plan and hitting shots.

“My favorite pair of shoes is Kobe’s,” said Baldwin.

Baldwin said that he has worn Kobe’s for the past five years. Baldwin talked about how he enjoys them because they fit his foot nicely. Baldwin said that he will have to make a change this season because UWM is sponsored by Adidas.