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Q&A with Wisconsin-Milwaukee Commit Mitchell Buban

April 21, 2016

By Matt Huck
Area Scout

2017 SS Mitchell Buban of Tremper recently committed to Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He is the third Wisconsin-Milwaukee commit in the 2017 Class, and the 11th commit from Team Wisconsin at the 2015 PBR Future Games. Buban is currently ranked No. 21 in the Wisconsin Class of 2017. Here is a report on Buban from the Milwaukee Preseason ID Showcase this past February.

Mitchell Buban2/28/16 - 6-foot-2, 180-pound right-handed hitting SS/RHP with a lanky, athletic frame. Defensively has a loose arm action from a high ¾ slot. Accurate throws with carry across the infield throwing 87 mph. Plays thru the ball with a quick exchange and soft hands. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, loads hands to backside with a short linear stride. Short swing path with a one arm finish. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.19. On the mound works form a high ¾ arm angle with a long, quick arm action. Slight drop and drive delivery with a high leg kick and good explosion in the core. Got good extension on his fastball that sat 85-87 mph. Curveball showed 10-4 shape at 65-68 mph for strikes. Maintained armspeed on changeup at 69-73 mph.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Buban: The recruiting process was difficult and stressful at times, but was also very exciting as well. My family, coaches, and teammates were all there for me and a huge help throughout the process. 

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Buban: My biggest factor was to attend and play for a school that I felt most comfortable in. I also wanted a school that will offer me a quality education, develop me as a player, and prepare me to move on with my life after college whether it's in baseball or a different career.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Buban: Location was not a crucial part in my decision. However, it worked out great given the fact that UWM is only about an hour away from home, and definitely close enough for my family to attend most games. 

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Buban: The recruiting process really started to heat up for me this past summer, particularly after The PBR Future Games. The PBR Future Games was an extraordinary event that definitely helped out with gaining exposure. Throughout the fall and winter, I was able to meet with coaches, visit different campuses, and then finally decide which school was the right one for me.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Buban: I believe that UW-Milwaukee first saw me at the PBR Top Prospect Games, which was the summer of my freshman year. I also attended a camp at UWM the following fall and from there I was able to meet the coaching staff and develop my relationship with them.

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Buban: I chose Milwaukee because everything about it was comforting, and I felt at home. I was extremely pleased with the UWM campus, academics, coaching staff, player development, and winning tradition. Those factors were very convincing, and helped me realize that UWM was the perfect fit.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Buban: Other schools that I took into consideration were The University of Minnesota, West Virginia, Bradley, USC-Upstate, and Kent State.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Buban: Although we are teammates, I have faced Justin Lavey a numerous amount of times during intersquad games with Tremper & Hitters and he is hands down the best player I have played against (and with). Justin is unbelievable with the bat, one of the most athletic third basemen's you'll ever see and has an extremely bright career ahead of him.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Buban: I have dreamed about about playing college baseball since I was playing Little League. I started to realize I was a college caliber player at around the age of 13 when I started to play for my first elite baseball organization at PBA-Wisconsin/Demarini. I have been working towards my goals ever since.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Buban: My biggest advice to young baseball players striving to get to the next level would be to set your goals high and go right after them. Also never forget that this is only a game and make sure you're always having fun.

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Buban: My most memorable experience was playing at the Future Game's. It was a first class event and almost every Division 1 school in the country was in attendance. 

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Buban: This high school season should be a fun one for Tremper. I feel that this is one of the most talented teams our school has ever had. We have 5 Division 1 commits currently with at least 6 more players that are (or will be) bound to play baseball beyond high school. With our experienced team now, we expect to make a deep run in the playoffs this season. 

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Buban: I recently made the transition to play for Hitters just this past fall. Hitters is a first rate organization that really gets you ready for the next level. My most memorable experiences with Hitters were the 4 hour Sunday practices we had throughout the off season. The workouts were a grind and really prepared us, both physically and mentally for the season.

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