MILWAUKEE (SPECTRUM NEWS) -- It is challenging enough to be a Division 1 college basketball coach. The pandemic has changed everything. Add in being the father of one of the most sought-after 2021 recruits in the country and you realize what Milwaukee Panthers head coach Pat Baldwin is dealing with these days.

In an interview for Spectrum News 1, Baldwin says the pandemic has led to days having different priorities. " A lot of it is trying to help our kids with their schoolwork. I have some ‘honey dos’ that I have to do at home. A lot of what we’re doing right now. Conferencing, zoom calls, things like that. Before, our guys were done with school, was doing a lot of academic stuff with them. Making sure they were taking care of their business. So doing a lot of this stuff. Obviously you know it’s very important that we get it done this way."

Baldwin has been at Milwaukee for three years. The Panthers are coming off a 12-19 season. Baldwin admits that not being able to be with his team is not ideal. "Yeah, basketball is such a hands-on type of game. The way many coaches like to do it, including ours. Our staff, we like to be front and center with our guys. To be able to teach them different things. Be on the court with them. So this is really difficult. The other aspect of it is, off the court as well. Even when we’re in our office, and meeting, and talking about different things. We love to look each other in the eyes and talk about the things that really matter.  It’s really difficult in this interpersonal way, without being in front of them. It’s really challenging, but we have to make the most of it. Everybody is going through it. We tell our guys all of the time about fighting through adversity and all that and this is part of it."

By NCAA rules, Baldwin is not allowed to talk about recruits and that includes his son. Patrick Jr. of Sussex Hamilton is one of the top prospects for 2021. He has said Milwaukee is in his final 10.

Coach Baldwin can say recruiting this summer will look much different because of the pandemic. "It definitely is. You probably already witnessed it. A lot of the basketball camps, tournaments and leagues have been cancelled. They’re postponing a lot of those events, until further notice. It may be until August when we find out if we’re able to do something with kids. I’ve heard a lot of commentary. This is an important time for kids and their recruiting, especially seniors. They don’t have this opportunity. My guess is they will try to do something in the latter months, August or September, if we’re able to. In order for a lot of the rising seniors to be given the opportunity to be seen by coaches.  Otherwise, we have to rely on the relationships that we’ve built over the past year and a half with young kids. Then, rely on videotape and hilites and communication over the phone and areas like this."