Q: You had some options for your last year of college. Why did you decide to come back to Penn State?

BALDWIN: I came back because I’ve been with Coach (Mike Rhoades) for four years. Why would I switch up for my last year? It’s all about loyalty and trust. I trust Coach.

 

Q: You had a prominent role as a leader on last year’s team. How has that role developed?

BALDWIN: I’m more comfortable with talking and getting guys going with my energy and my leadership. I think I’ve been doing a great job with talking and picking the guys up.

 

Q: You were voted the league’s best defender last season. What have been the keys to your success as a defender both on the ball and off the ball?

BALDWIN: I’d say my aggression, my physicality. A lot of guys don’t like that; they like everything being easy. With me, I don’t like giving my opponent easy shots. I want to frustrate him. I want to make everything hard for him.

 

Q: Does that carry over to practice and defending your teammates?

BALDWIN: Oh yeah (laughs). I think it’s worse in practice. We’re all very competitive.

 

Q: What is the trick of learning how new teammates like to play, especially as a point guard?

BALDWIN: I just want to make them feel comfortable, get them involved, and also bond with them. Have a great time on and off the court. This group of guys wants to win. I love being around them.

 

Q: What’s your favorite non-basketball activity or hobby?

BALDWIN: I’m not gonna lie—I just got (EA Sports College Football). I’ve been playing that a lot.

 

Q: Any favorite team or style of offense that you run?

BALDWIN: I love running spread and throwing the ball, like a USC-type team.

 

Q: Would you rather win a game on a buzzer-beating shot or on a steal?

BALDWIN: Steal.

 

Q: Why?

BALDWIN: Just because I love defense. That’s what gets me going. I don’t think there’s a lot of game-winning steals out there.

 

Q: What’s your dream car?

BALDWIN: A Beamer or AMG truck.

 

Q: Any pregame rituals or superstitions you have?

BALDWIN: I go warm up for an hour before everybody gets out there.

 

Q: Are you excited about playing these new teams coming into the Big Ten, and maybe not as excited about the travel?

BALDWIN: I’m very excited. You’ve got USC, UCLA, Washington, Oregon. They’re big-name teams coming to the Big Ten. I think it’s going to be great. I can’t wait.

 

Q: What’s going to be different about your game this year?

BALDWIN: I for sure got bigger and faster, and I would say my jump shot came a long way. I’ve been in the gym three times a day.

 

Q: Last one. What’s the best part about playing in front of the students at Penn State?

BALDWIN: That energy is different. They talk a lot of trash to the opponents. And during warmup, they get me going. They motivate me.