Desert Vista High School's skilled 6-foot-5 rising senior wing prospect Noah Baumann missed much of his junior season with an injury, but the gifted wing prospect would utilize the spring evaluation period to prove his value as a college prospect - performing very strong on the aau/club circuit.
Baumann is one of the state's most underrated prospects, and he has become one of my favorite sleeper prospects in the state - regardless of class. This spring, I was extremely impressed with Baumann's ability to make consistent plays against the top competition in the West, as he teamed up alongside superstar guard Saben Lee and Chaparral's Colton Kresl on Powerhouse Hoops 17U Black, and helped lead the team to numerous big victories and a runner-up Tournament Championship finish in Las Vegas.
In the many games I watched Baumann perform this spring, his play was strong and consistent - proving that he is worthy of division-I level college recruitment. Baumann may or may not receive divison-I college recruitment, but he is worthy of it. This yougn man does everything that a team needs to help them win basketball games. He is a versatile performer with the basketball in hsi hands, able to shoot or score the basketball or also makes plays for others. He always has his head up - looking for open cutters or the right play on the floor. He is a good driver and finisher of the basketball and is also able to stop and shoot the mid-range jump shot when he creates space. Baumann is at his best shooting the basketball, and he does it at a high clip and with range. He is a specialist as a shooter, and can help any program with his ability to make shots and under pressure. His size also makes him very attractive shooting the basketball, as he is one of the bigger shooters available in the state.
Baumann is a winner, and he plays both ends of the court. He accepts challenges on the defensive end - a good one-on-one defender and team defender. While he doesn't look particulary fast or quick even, Baumann understands angles on the court and body positioning, which allows him to be a good defender. He is also an active rebounder for his size, and is especially good on the offensive end, where he likes to get putbacks from teammate's missed shots.
As Baumann gets physically stronger and matures, we will see his game progress a great deal. He is extremely productive now, so 15 more pounds of muscle on his frame will do him quite well in his collegiate career.
I plan to pay close attention to Baumann this summer, as he continues to travel with his Powerhoops 17U Black team to California and Vegas. He is worthy of any college recruitment he receives.
