Patterson has NBA on his agenda

He should. He is going to be a great college player this year, and if he is projected high enough, he should go.

The problem is he is small for an NBA power forward. In order to be in the lottery or higher, he needs to develop some small-forward skills, and extend his range to 20 feet or more.

2 months ago Truzenzuzex Comment 41 comments 0 recs |

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He shouldn't go unless...

he can be reasonably assured of being a top 5 pick.

by ReverendBlue on Jul 18, 2008 10:17 AM EDT 0 recs

He will be a lottery pick

and I don’t see how he can turn that down. If he wants a degree, come back in the offseason like Horford is doing.

by Slim Wagers on Jul 18, 2008 10:34 AM EDT 0 recs

Kevin Durant also…

I believe Durant is also pursuing his degree at UT (Texas).

Obviously, a degree for Patrick was and still is a very high priority for him and his family, but just because you leave school early for the NBA doesn’t mean that you can’t eventually get a degree.

I am torn about Patrick leaving early; part of me (the selfish part) of course, wants him to stay for 4 years. But let’s face it, a lot can change in one year and Patrick staying in college for 4 years is probably not going to happen. And, realistically, if BCG is doing his job, shouldn’t he be recruiting the top-tier/future lottery pick type of talent that we all want AND developing them into star NBA material? So, ultimately, I agree that if PPat is a lottery pick, he should most certainly go to the NBA.

Interestingly enough, I found this article to be a pretty decent recruiting tool. We all know that style of play and a sure road to the NBA is what most young men are looking for out of basketball program these days. If Coach Gillispie can show that he can (and wants to) produce sure-fire lottery picks and Patrick does in fact end up a lottery pick – that will surely make them stand-up and take notice. Can someone get this article to Daniel Orton? : )

by BigSkyCat on Jul 18, 2008 12:07 PM EDT up 0 recs

Michael Jordan Went Back To UNC And Earned His Degree

The NCAA doesn’t “count” him as UNC graduate because it took > 6 years.

by FortyYearCatFan on Jul 18, 2008 9:17 PM EDT up 0 recs

Has it changed

I know for a fact KD was taking summer classed at Texas this summer. Its important for players that leave early to finish well because of the new apr rules.

I dont know at all but could the NCAA have changed it rules on that. Jordan graduated quite a while ago.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Jul 19, 2008 10:21 AM EDT up 0 recs

NCAA Gives Players 6 Years To Graduate

Or they don’t “count” as graduates.

No changes on that.

by FortyYearCatFan on Jul 19, 2008 12:12 PM EDT up 0 recs

In the larger sense ...

... that’s irrelevant, though.

The school will give you a degree if it takes you six year or ten, depending upon their policy. That degree is no less valuable for the time you take to obtain it.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Jul 19, 2008 3:10 PM EDT up 0 recs

Of Course

NCAA should count them as graduates no matter how long it took.

by FortyYearCatFan on Jul 19, 2008 5:48 PM EDT up 0 recs

Lottery

If your lottery bound you should go.

The truth is Pat will be a lottery pick anytime he decides to enter the draft. Im holding out hope that he actually like college and decides to stay but you cant fault him for anything if he leaves early. He has certainly given UK everything he’s got since he’s been here.

He really does need to extend his range and work on his ball handling skills though. He will be a little small for power forward in the NBA. I think he will play great at that spot but NBA officials will feel more comfortable taking him if has a bit more perimeter skill.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Jul 18, 2008 10:37 AM EDT 0 recs

Not all bad

How long since we have had a lottery pick? Shows others that BCG can develop talent and get them ready to move on. Shows we can build an effective offense around a big man. Patterson leaving as a top pick after 2 years sends a good message to recruits.

by Slim Wagers on Jul 18, 2008 12:07 PM EDT 0 recs

Ok,

that is scary! Great minds think alike I guess, huh? And we both posted at the same time…...Wow!

by BigSkyCat on Jul 18, 2008 12:11 PM EDT up 0 recs

That is wierd

It is clear from reading Ortons comments after his visit and BCG’s yesterday that your right, this is the attitude and direction Coach wants to take. He will hold up Patterson as an example of our ability to develop skilled players into lottery picks. The higher he goes the better.

by Slim Wagers on Jul 18, 2008 3:08 PM EDT up 0 recs

I'm no stat fanatic...

But if I had to guess on our last lottery pick, I’d say Mercer.

Padget, Magloire, and Mohammed were drafted in the years just after Mercer and they weren’t lottos. Tayshaun went number 21 to the Pistions IIRC. I don’t remember where Bogans fell in the draft though.

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Jul 18, 2008 3:09 PM EDT up 0 recs

Funny you just mentioned Bogans..

I just read an article about him being back home in Alexandria and doing a camp with the Boys and Girls Club.

http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=317535&paper=59&cat=105

by kykat51 on Jul 18, 2008 3:51 PM EDT up 0 recs

That was my guess as well

Although Anderson also went in that draft around 13th, and I think that might still be in the lottery. If that’s so, Anderson would be our last one by a matter of a few minutes.

by Acdixon on Jul 18, 2008 4:59 PM EDT up 0 recs

Ah-ha!

Very astute. And I think you are correct.

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Jul 18, 2008 5:02 PM EDT up 0 recs

Bogans

2nd round pick.

Rondo was lottery pick (I think?) in 2006.

by FortyYearCatFan on Jul 18, 2008 9:18 PM EDT up 0 recs

nope

rondo was picked 21st.

GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!

by UKWildCatFanatic on Jul 19, 2008 1:17 AM EDT up 0 recs

Patterson And NBA

He may play PF but will need to create his own shot in the NBA. Too short for low post where he plays at UK. Never gonna be SF in NBA.

He’ll get drafted high. But to make it, he’ll need to develop 12-15 foot jumper and more offesnive skills.

by FortyYearCatFan on Jul 18, 2008 9:19 PM EDT 0 recs

Too short for the low post

Depending on who you talk to, Charles Barkley might be as short as 6’4” and Dennis Rodman was just a hair over 6’6”. There’s always room for a banger who will work hard. Patterson has that talent in spades.

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Jul 19, 2008 8:25 AM EDT up 0 recs

Our own Chuck Hayes

He’s only 6’6”, but started for the Rockets. We hope Patterson has a better NBA career than Chuck (and that’s no knock on Chuck) but it can be done.

by Acdixon on Jul 19, 2008 8:29 AM EDT up 0 recs

Patterson And Hayes

Similar but PP is 1 or 2 inches taller. Neither much of an offenive creater. Hayes a better rebounder. Patterson a better scorer.

They may have similar NBA opportunities.

by FortyYearCatFan on Jul 19, 2008 12:16 PM EDT up 0 recs

Barkley And Rodman

No comparison to Patterson.

Barkley could shoot from outside and DEFINITELY create his own shot.

Rodman is a superior leaper and rebounder.

by FortyYearCatFan on Jul 19, 2008 12:14 PM EDT up 0 recs

not a comparison

i don’t think chirop was comparing patterson to rodman or barkley. i may be putting words in his mouth, but i think he meant it as talent overrides height. i think he’s got enough ability to make up for the fact that he’s an inch or two shorter than “ideal” size.

GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!

by UKWildCatFanatic on Jul 19, 2008 12:59 PM EDT up 0 recs

And No Comparison On Talent Either

Barkley >>> Patterson. Rodman >> Patterson (except offensively).

Patterson is OK heightwise. He lack offensive skills (creating his own shot) for NBA.

by FortyYearCatFan on Jul 19, 2008 1:31 PM EDT up 0 recs

one more try

here’s what i said: i believe patterson has talent, enough to make up for a couple inches in height.

here’s what i did not say: patterson has more talent then barkley or rodman.

GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!

by UKWildCatFanatic on Jul 19, 2008 1:57 PM EDT up 0 recs

Nah.

Rodman was not more talented than Patterson in any respect. He was more athletic, but not more talented.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Jul 19, 2008 3:12 PM EDT up 0 recs

Much More Talented In These Respects

Rodman had superb athleticism. Quickest leaper I ever saw.

And tremendous rebounder. I saw him play (in person) a lot here in Chicago.

by FortyYearCatFan on Jul 19, 2008 5:50 PM EDT up 0 recs

Rodman was ...

... a very good athlete. He had few skills other than that.

But he was a tenacious rebounder and never gave up. Mentally, he was among the toughest players I have ever seen. I was a Chicago fan in those days, and watched him play a lot myself.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Jul 19, 2008 6:17 PM EDT up 0 recs

He Had Every Skill But Shooting

He could run, jump, you name it. Just not a shooter.

by FortyYearCatFan on Jul 19, 2008 7:31 PM EDT up 0 recs

Those aren't skills, dude. They are God-given athleticism. Which was my point.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Jul 20, 2008 9:00 AM EDT up 0 recs

Skills Are Developed

And Rodman developed his skills – like rebounding. He was also a great defensive player.

The only skill he lacked was shooting.

by FortyYearCatFan on Jul 20, 2008 9:31 AM EDT up 0 recs

(Clipped From His NBA Bio)

Led the NBA in rebounding (15.0 rpg) in 1997-98 for a record seventh consecutive season

Has been a member of five NBA championship teams with the Chicago Bulls (1996, 1997, 1998) and Detroit Pistons (1989, 1990)

Shares the NBA Finals record with 11 offensive rebounds in a game, achieving the feat twice during the 1996 NBA Finals

Has appeared in 169 career NBA Playoff games, averaging 6.4 ppg and 9.9 rpg

Grabbed a 1997-98 season-high 29 rebounds, adding 6 points and 5 assists, against the Atlanta Hawks on 12/27/97

Posted 1996-97 season-highs of 16 points (8-11 FG) and 26 rebounds in a 116-101 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on 1/10/97

Grabbed the 10,000th rebound of his career against the Washington Bullets on 1/14/97

Recorded his first career triple-double, with 10 points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists, against Philadelphia on 1/16/96

Named NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1989-90 and 1990-91

Named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team seven times (1988-89 to 1992-93, 1994-95, 1995-96) and to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 1993-94

Named to the All-NBA Third Team in 1991-92 and 1994-95

Appeared in the NBA All-Star Game in 1990 and 1992, grabbing a total of 17 rebounds in 36 minutes

Led the NBA in field-goal percentage (.595) in 1988-89

by FortyYearCatFan on Jul 20, 2008 1:47 PM EDT up 0 recs

that's good and all...

but what does that have to do with skill vs. athleticism?

we already knew he could play D and rebound (skills). that he could run the floor and jump is just natural ability.

GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!

by UKWildCatFanatic on Jul 20, 2008 4:13 PM EDT up 0 recs

Putting words in my mouth...

But they were the right words. My point was that regardless of size, people who work hard and have talent succeed in the NBA.

Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."

by chirop1 on Jul 19, 2008 5:02 PM EDT up 0 recs

good

i thought i was on the same page as you.

GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!

by UKWildCatFanatic on Jul 19, 2008 5:08 PM EDT up 0 recs

Yep.

That’s the way I see it. Actually, I think he needs to extend his range to 20 feet and learn to get his own shot off the dribble. He is a ‘tweener in the NBA—Small forward size with a big forward game.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Jul 19, 2008 3:11 PM EDT up 0 recs

Very Well Put

Exactly what I meant (but failed to say precisely).

by FortyYearCatFan on Jul 19, 2008 5:50 PM EDT up 0 recs

Patterson

Patterson will have a better career than Chuck. He just has more offensive capability. Chuck could have been a great NFL player but he likes basketball better.

Forty is right when he says Patt will never play the three in the NBA. IMO he will be very effective in the low post. When scout say he is short all they mean is that they are worried but he isnt so short that I think it will hinder his effectiveness.

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Jul 19, 2008 10:29 AM EDT 0 recs

I think Patterson ...

... can play the three in the NBA. He couldn’t right now, but he needs to be able to. He’s the kind of player that you can move around a bit, which is good versatility wise, but he has the natural ability to play a face up game. He has to work on his handle and learn to shoot it off the bounce.

I think we will see some of that this coming year. Gillispie is going to insist on it.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Truzenzuzex on Jul 19, 2008 3:14 PM EDT up 0 recs

My thoughts on Patterson

.....IMHO, I believe he may be better off staying until after his Junior year, after all he didn’t get a full year in last year and had the injury. He may better his cause waiting until then. A lot really depends on his improvement and the plans that BCG has for him. Yes, I do agree we want BCG to recruit the top people and help them on to the Pros but I like to see them stay a minimun of 2 solid years, and that still depends on their game.

by BleedNBlue on Jul 30, 2008 10:18 PM EDT 0 recs