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Breaking News: Patterson commits to UK

May 16, 2007|LARRY VAUGHT

Kentucky landed its second highly-ranked recruit of the spring signing season today when Huntington forward Patrick Patterson announced that he would play for Kentucky and not Florida or Duke.

He joins guard Alex Legion, who signed earlier this month, as the first two signees for new UK coach Billy Gillispie.

Duke, Florida, Kentucky, Virginia, Wake Forest and West Virginia all received consideration from Patterson during his recruiting process.

He was first recruited at Kentucky by former coach Tubby Smith. When Smith left for Minnesota, Patterson delayed his decision. He also didn't let the signing of Houston point guard Jai Lucas - a friend from their basketball playing careers - with Florida earlier this week influence his final decision.

Patterson helped lead Huntington to an unprecedented three-straight Class AAA West Virginia championships.

Patterson's senior year was his best season - 17 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocked shots per game.

He was the state's 2006 Player of the Year and also was selected to the McDonald's All-American team.

"Patrick Patterson is a guy that the way he scores and goes about his business could be ready to come in and be a signature player at a big school," Scout.com recruting analyst Dave Telep said. "He has big shoulders and can carry a wide load. I think he can come in and be a 12 (point) and six (rebound) guy early in his career."

Patterson played with high school superstar O.J. Mayo this season in Huntington. Telep thinks that will also help him in college.

"I think being around O.J. has given him a different perspective that can only benefit him," Telep said. "Playing alongside a great player like that has helped him as a player and person. A lot of kids that age could be jealous. I've not seen that in Patterson. He could have been miffed that Mayo came in there and that he no longer was the big guy because Mayo had a bigger reputation. He has seen life under the microscope this year.

"After being the man for three years, he is sharing that with Mayo this year. His senior year has also been like a college experience in learning to share the spotlight and not having to carry the burden. He will be adjusted to that when he gets to college, and that could be a huge plus."

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