It’s not everyday that a men’s basketball program at a school like the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee sees a five star recruit walk through its doors. But thanks to some crafty recruiting (the father of the player serving as head coach), that’s exactly what UWM have in Patrick Baldwin Jr.

Baldwin Jr. was ranked 5th in the 2021 ESPN top 100 class and joins a Panthers squad that finished a mediocre 10-12 last season. This year, the Panthers were able to travel to Fort Myers, Florida, to compete in the Fort Myers Tip Off. As UWM looks to build upon last season and give Baldwin Jr. an opportunity to compete in the NCAA Tournament in his likely one and done season, here’s how the Panthers and their star man fared down south over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Baldwin Jr. struggled to get things going in the first half of the Panthers first matchup against Bowling Green. The Falcons contained Baldwin Jr. and the rest of the offense behind the perimeter. That didn’t stop Baldwin Jr. from grabbing eight first half rebounds and looking smooth on a few drives to the rim when he was able to penetrate to go along with a couple of flashy passes to boot.

However, things took another unfortunate turn for Baldwin Jr. late in the first half, where he was called for a charge and went down hard on his right leg. He subbed out of the game but returned and finished the first half with nine points to go along with his eight boards. He started off the second half with a three but was taken out early and did not end up returning. Head coach Pat Baldwin said he did not want to risk Baldwin Jr. sustaining a more serious injury if he tried to play through it. His trip to Fort Myers ended in disappointment, as he then did not play in the Panthers second game, a 69-56 loss to Yale. 

While it wasn’t the tournament Baldwin Jr. or the Panthers hoped for, what is clear is that Baldwin Jr. undoubtedly possesses NBA level shooting and ability to get to the rim. That being said, he is still finding his footing in this UWM offense. He struggled against a defense that prevented him from using his quick first step and passed on some albeit difficult shots, but shots that someone with his shooting ability should be taking. Going forward, Baldwin Jr. will need to find his role in this Panther offense which will be easier said than done.

In Fort Myers, the Panthers’ big men struggled in the pick and roll and their guards and wings were left isolated and often double teamed beyond the perimeter without a roll option. If these offensive trends continue, it may be difficult for Baldwin Jr. to truly showcase what he can offer at the next level. 

If Baldwin Jr.’s numbers remain low in a league like the Horizon, it could be damaging to his draft stock. However, after seeing it first hand despite his shortened time on the floor in Fort Myers, Baldwin Jr. has some elite skills that will hopefully be showcased as the Panthers look to bounce back from a disappointing performance down south.