NCAA basketball recruiting predictions for every 2021 5-star recruit
No. 4 – Paolo Banchero – PF – 6-foot-9, 235 pounds – Seattle, WA
Banchero is the top-rated power forward in the 2021 class and recently reduced his final recruiting list down to six remaining schools: Duke, Arizona, Gonzaga, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Washington. There is a family connection to the University of Washington as both of Banchero’s parents and an uncle were athletes for the Huskies. Most prognostications feel the family ties will be too strong to break and that Banchero will likely commit to Washington.
However, much can happen throughout Banchero’s senior season, as he has indicated he’s not likely to make a decision until after his season is complete. That gives the rest of the schools on his list the opportunity to state their cases. According to the 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions, Kentucky is the next likeliest possibility if Banchero does not choose Washington, and that fit seems too good to pass up for the talented power forward.
PREDICTION: Kentucky Wildcats
No. 3 – Patrick Baldwin, Jr. – SF – 6-foot-9, 190 pounds – Sussex, WI
Baldwin is the son of Pat Baldwin, head coach for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men’s basketball team. While the prospect of playing for his dad remains appealing for the junior Baldwin, the number three overall prospect in the 2021 class has his sights set a bit higher looking for competition above and beyond what will be found in the Horizon League.
All predictions from the 247Sports Crystal Ball have Baldwin to Duke, which would make sense as Duke’s recruitment is known to have been very aggressive. Georgetown, North Carolina, and Northwestern are among the other teams in the mix. Northwestern could hold some sway as both of Baldwin’s parents played there and the senior Baldwin was an assistant on Chris Collins’ staff until taking the Milwaukee job in 2017. It will be interesting to watch if Baldwin goes somewhere as a package deal with No. 12 prospect Max Christie.
Baldwin to Duke makes too much sense and the Blue Devils will hold off Northwestern’s interest and thought of playing for his father to lure Baldwin to Cameron.