“I know how talented I am,” Patrick Baldwin Jr. tells us after Crvena Zvezda’s win over Paris, their fourth consecutive EuroLeague victory.
We barely managed to pull him away from the kids and other fans eager for selfies and autographs. The bolder – and more inconsiderate – ones were asking for his shoes or jersey, or even a follow on Instagram.
Friendly and patient throughout, Baldwin is gradually getting used to Serbia’s basketball culture. More importantly, he is finding his place within the Crvena Zvezda team.
A back injury, followed by the challenge of playing in Europe for the first time…
It hasn’t been easy for the 23-year-old Baldwin, but during last week’s EuroLeague double-round week, he showed glimpses of what Zvezda fans had been hoping to see.
After a solid offensive performance against ASVEL, Baldwin made his mark primarily on the defensive end against Paris. He recorded two blocks and two steals, while forcing opponents to alter several other shots.
Just as importantly, he looked increasingly in sync with his teammates.
“I’m Seven Feet Tall and I Can Move – I Have to Use That”
It seems to me that you’re slowly but surely finding your groove in European basketball. What’s been the hardest thing to adjust to, and what has come more easily?
I think the only thing that’s been hard for me right now is coming back from injury. That’s been the biggest hurdle. It’s always going to be me versus me when you’re talking about getting better as a basketball player.
But I think the thing I can bring from day one, and something I can always hang my hat on – is my effort. There were times when my effort might not have been there while I was adjusting to European basketball. Tonight (vs Paris), I think I put it together on both ends.
I know I’m really damn talented, really damn skilled, and I’ll figure out the offense. But as long as I can continue to contribute defensively, I think there’ll be a place for me.
That was actually your reputation when you came here – a great shooter, a great offensive player, but not so good defensively. You showed that it doesn’t have to be like that.
I think that’s to my advantage. Not to compare, but the court is smaller, and there’s no defensive three-second rule. That’s a different rule, and when you’re seven feet tall and can move, you have an advantage there.
So I’ve got to take advantage of it and make sure I’m cognizant of that every game.
“There Are Only Two Positions in Basketball – On the Court or on the Bench”
Belgrade is different 🙃
Chima Moneke and Patrick Baldwin Jr. surrounded by young Zvezda fans after the 90–81 EuroLeague win over Paris.
Selfies, autographs and plenty of love. 🔴⚪️
#CrvenaZvezda #EuroLeague https://t.co/FBfvRS0ZTm
— SKWEEK (@SkweekSports) October 16, 2026
Do you feel comfortable playing at the five position?
My dad told me from a very young age that there are only two positions in basketball: you’re either on the court or off the court.
And if it’s not the five right now, I’m off the court, because we’ve got a lot of depth at the four, a lot of guys injured, and with Izundu and Motley out, we need somebody at the five.
I’m happy to do that because I know how talented I am.
How much of a culture shock has all this been for you – life in Europe, Belgrade, Serbia, the fans and all these kids that ask for selfies?
It’s very cool to see how passionate these fans are about basketball, to see the support, the kids and how influential we are. It’s a great environment.
And I knew about it coming here. Luka Dončić always talked about it, Jokić talks about it. You hear them talking in the media about Zvezde, the pressure, all the fans and everything that’s so fun about European basketball.
It’s very cool to experience it firsthand and be a part of it.
“I Know What Kind of Player I Am”
Who helps you the most off the court – getting around, figuring out where to eat and where to go?
We’ve got 17 guys who all love each other. So anytime I need to ask anybody about anything, they’re willing and able to give me that information.
Not to single anyone out, but Chris Jones has been really good off the court. Jared (Butler), I had a relationship with before. Chima (Moneke) has been really good with that stuff, and then, through my agency, Jordan Nwora has been amazing.
But really, all the guys have kind of put their arms around each other, and it’s just like one big family.
And lastly, what can Zvezda fans expect from you in a month or two?
I just want to stay in the moment. I don’t want to put anything beyond my capabilities.
I know the player I am, I know who I have to be and the type of energy I have to bring day in and day out.
So as long as I keep doing that, I’ll keep climbing.