Chris Baldwin was probably in line for more playing time in 2017-18 anyway.

He finished his freshman year strong and likely would have played a larger role as a sophomore even if UMass hadn’t changed coaching staffs.

But after former coach Derek Kellogg was fired, seven players left the program, turning the forward from Springfield from a guy who had a chance to evolve into a player who the Minutemen and new coach Matt McCall are counting on.

“Coach came here and said the position I’m going to be playing is a very important piece to what we’re going to be doing,” said Baldwin, who averaged 2.2 points and 2.8 rebounds in 9.4 minutes last year. “It’s a fresh start. He’s giving me the opportunity to come in during the summer and show what I’m able to do, to be able to see the work I put in finally produce on the court.”

The 6-foot-8, 235-pound forward will have the freedom to go to the perimeter a little more than he did last year.

“Chris Baldwin is a tough physical kid down there. Yes he’s going to play on the perimeter, pick and pop and do some of those things, but he’s a physical frontcourt player,” McCall said. “We’re not going to take that away from him.”

Baldwin said he’s bonded with the new staff quickly.

“I’ve sat down with every member of the staff and had one-on-ones with them. I feel like I can benefit from each and every one of them,” he said. “I’m trying to have a good head and come into every workout and weight room session and make the most of my opportunity.”

Baldwin will be one of three Springfield players on the 2017-18 Minutemen, as Maryland transfer Jaylen Brantley joins UMass.

Brantley is a fifth-year transfer and will be eligible right way. Baldwin said he looked up to Brantley growing up.

“I remember playing with him when I was a younger kid. It was always fun hooping with him,” he said. “He was always known. Playing with him was like ‘Damn, I’m playing with a high major guard.’”

Jaylen Franklin, a former MacDuffie standout completes the Springfield trio.

The guard will be in his second year at UMass. Because the Minutemen didn’t have a roster spot available last year, he spent the season as a manager with the understanding that Kellogg would have him walk on a year later.

McCall is honoring Kellogg’s promise as Franklin joins guard Rayshawn Miller among the team’s walk-ons.

“Jaylen will be on the team. He’s a great kid. All his teammates really, really like him,” McCall said. “I’ve told him and Rayshawn Miller, everyone is going to get the same opportunity to compete every day in practice. That’s the opportunity that you want. You never know what’s going to happen.”

Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage

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