From the draft boards, it seems like Patterson is a borderline late first round pick if he goes, and Meeks is a second round take at best.

Since he’s a junior, Meeks is almost a lock to declare to at least test the waters. He may even look at the Kelenna Azubuike career path, where he can develop in the NBDL or overseas. At this point, I’m not sure Meeks’ stock gets any higher with another year at Kentucky, so why not take the extra year of getting paid, even if you’re not getting a first round guarantee.

Patterson is a different story. As you pointed out, he could benefit greatly from having a true 5 next to him. Further, he needs to develop the classic 4 post-game that would require shooters to create spacing and a point guard that knows how to send in an entry pass. And to be really good, Patterson needs the mid-range game you’re discussing, where he can be just as dangerous inside as out (a la Carlos Boozer or David West). I’m not sure he’ll get that at Kentucky; anytime he gets the ball anywhere but the paint, his first, second and third instincts say pass. If he has a monster junior year, he can still get the brand cache to shoot him up into the lottery, which is where many were envisioning him when he came out of high school.

One thing is certain: if Gillispie loses one (or worse, both) of them to the draft this summer, he’s facing a huge uphill battle to get the ‘09-’10 team anywhere remotely close to contending status. This may be Gillispie’s biggest recruiting task yet.

I see Meek’s becoming much better as well all around but his scoring average dropping a bit as other players step up a bit.

I look at this two ways when considering if Meeks should declare after his junior year.

Pro – Sometimes it is good to declare when your stock may be as high as it can get. It is easy to say that staying one more year will improve his ball handling skills, shot selection, passing and defense. Maybe – maybe not. Meeks has put on an unbelievable scroing display this season and carried a huge burden for the Cats and scouts have no doubt taken notice. I doubt he will have quite the same scoring season again next year but if he does improve those other areas less scoring is a moot point. More than likely he will still be the same heighth which seems to be what most people think will relegate him to the 2nd round becuase he is a 2 (SG). So just maybe his stock is as good as it will get and you take it while the gettin’ is good.

Con – If he does declare it is almost assured that he will be a 2nd round pick which means no gauranteed contract. Most people tell players if you won’t get drafted in the first round, then you should always return for your senior year. Of all the aspects of whether to declare or not this seems to carry the most weight. Unless, a GM gaurantees him they will take him in the first round, he should return.

 I admit to feeling that Meeks and Patterson could use one more year. However, I think it is always possible for a young man to leave for the NBA when he is not ready. (If his coach leaves I think it is even more likely.) If decisions are based completely on what is best for them, I feel they should at this point stay [of course I don’t know all the facts either]. Neither would be the first kid to leave before he were ready.

Even with that said, it truly seems that both of these fine, young men are mature and will make the best decision for themselves. I would wish them all the best and moreover hope their goals align with that of UKs’. How can you not get excited about the possible line up for next year?!
One of the things I feel like us UK fans are very good about, is cheering on our own even after they move on. Still, Patterson always has impressed me and he and Jodie would be wait for it…….legendary….if they stay ONE MORE YEAR!

I’ve not scouted anyone since high school, but I couldn’t agree with you more if I had written the post myself. I think all of us UK fans have viewed not only the “role” players, but also PPAt and Jodie with blue-shaded glasses. IMO, most of the players on our team have a serious flaw, although some play around them pretty well. To wit:

Patterson-reluctance/inability to shoot midrange and not really very good at finishing when double-teamed, but
he’s playing out of position, so we don’t know what kind of 4 he can be
Meeks-ballhandling (as you so clearly pointed out)
Stevenson-reluctance to shoot midrange/inconsistent effort
Porter-great effort, good shooter, but serious lack of quickness. Fatal for a guy playing out of position
Liggins-frequently out of control; unwise passes
Miller-passive much of the time on O, reluctant to shoot but great potential if he’ll get angry/hungry
Harris-what offense? Reluctance to shoot till recently
Harrelson-good shooter and passer, but slow-footed; thankfully, not reluctant to shoot when open
etc, etc, etc

When things were working in the first of the year, we all had high hopes and tended to ignore the flaws. The opposing coaches didn’t, and this crappy season is a result.

that there used to be players, at UK and many other places, who could do almost everything well. Where are they now? I don’t see them in Lexington, and I don’t see many of them elsewhere.

BTW, that was a serious question for someone who has scouted “professionally.” Is it just me being a dinosaur, or are the balanced, versatile, all-around players getting more scarce?