Ace Baldwin embraces role as Penn State lays new foundation
The significance was crystal clear from the onset. Ace Baldwin, the reigning Atlantic 10 Player and Defensive Player of the Year, was the first to commit to Mike Rhoades at Penn State.
Just more than a week on the job, the Nittany Lions’ new head coach needed both a foundation and momentum. And, in Baldwin’s pledge, the program got it.
Within days, former VCU teammate Nick Kern publicly announced he’d follow suit. Kanye Clary stuck with Penn State and Jameel Brown put an end to a brief transfer portal flirtation soon after.
So, when asked in May about the players either returning or new to the program who would make the biggest impact for Penn State next season, Rhoades didn’t hesitate.
“Number one, getting Ace Baldwin here from VCU,” Rhoades told reporter Jon Rothstein. “We got a group of guys I think that could impact our program in different ways. But, it’s how we build this team is the most important thing, led by Ace and some of these other guys, that we’re gonna do what we need to do.”
Setting the tone
Now four weeks into the Nittany Lions’ offseason workouts, Rhoades’ sentiment has come to fruition.
Hailed by coaches and fellow teammates for his competitive leadership, Penn State has a foundation upon which Rhoades wants to build. Baldwin carries a winner’s mentality and, in doing so, provides an example of maximizing team results through an individual influence on others.
Baldwin knows as much, too, and is wearing the responsibility with intention for the Nittany Lions.
Meeting with reporters for the first time since the transfer earlier this week, Baldwin joked, relaxed and confident in himself despite the relatively new surroundings. The same was true of his on-court demeanor later at practice, encouraging teammates in between bouts of made shots, knowing assists, and defensive stops.
Knowing both what Rhoades needs of him, and what he believes of himself, Baldwin is determined to provide it to the Nittany Lions.
“I really don’t feel like it’s like pressure,” Baldwin said. “I’m built for this and that’s exactly why I came here, to be that type of guy. So I just feel like I just gotta be myself and just win. That’s all.”
Ace Baldwin’s resume of success
The blueprint is well-earned for Baldwin, who has been doing it for three seasons prior at VCU.
As a true freshman during the COVID-impacted 2020-21 season, Baldwin started every game. He put up stat-stuffing numbers across the page, logging 6.7 pounds, 4.4 assists, 2.1 steals, and 3.2 rebounds over 29.9 minutes per game.
For the effort, he was awarded A10 All-Rookie Team honors.
And, he’s only grown from there.
As a sophomore, that took shape as 11.4 points, 5.5 assists, 2.5 steals, and 3.5 rebounds over 33.5 minutes per game. He earned second-team all-conference in the process. And, last year, his double-duty Player of the Year recognition came thanks to 12.7 points, 5.8 assists, 2.23 steals, and 2.9 rebounds over 34.9 minutes per game.
Less tangible, but arguably more important to the Rams, was Baldwin’s culture-setting in the program. His play, and what he elicited from his teammates, helped lead the program to an A10 regular season title, a conference tournament title, and the all-important NCAA Tournament berth in a one-bid league.
Influencing others
Asked how he manifests just being himself, Baldwin said he’s “the funny guy” that “brings that energy around.” Whether teammates are fighting through disappointment or enjoying success, the looseness that envelops Baldwin’s persona is purposefully infectious.
“Ace has just a great feel with people,” Rhoades said. “I just think he does a good job of knowing how to get along with people. Ace doesn’t pull any punches, either. He wants to win and his competitiveness, I think really leaks to everybody else. And guys know that.”
Those new teammates echoed the thought when asked about Baldwin earlier this week.
Though just a sophomore, Clary acknowledged that he’s taking notes and working to implement the same ingredients into his game and leadership style. Whether that’s through how Baldwin talks to the team, at practice or as friends away from the hardwood, the example is there for the taking.
“I look at myself as a leader, so I’ve tried to do the same thing as him,” Clary said. “He’s just a very, very gritty, smart player. He doesn’t turn the ball over and I like that about his game.”
Zach Hicks, the Temple transfer who saw Baldwin first-hand last season with the Owls, agreed.
“Ace, he’s incredible. He’s a floor general… a traditional point guard,” Hicks said. “He gets everybody involved and tells people where to be. And then he gets to the paint, drives and kicks, and all that stuff. So, people like me, shooters and people that cut a lot, it’s a guy you really want to play with.”
Next steps for Ace Baldwin
How the Nittany Lions perform in the coming months remains to be seen. They’re set for their first competition against an outside opponent when they travel to the Bahamas in four weeks.
But, at a moment critical to enacting Rhoades’ plans for the program, Baldwin is eager to deliver on the confidence entrusted to him.
“As a leader, you got to bring that type of energy,” Baldwin said. “I feel like as a point guard, I gotta be more vocal.”
As the foundation of Penn State basketball’s culture germinates under Rhoades, Baldwin is determined to do exactly that.
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