by Paul Jordan
The last two weeks have been something of an extended blissful dream for Wildcat fans as John Calipari has proven to be something of a miracle worker in the world of college basketball, landing five star recruits like crazy. Enes Kanter. Brandon Knight. Michael Gilchrist. Marquis Teague. Is it out of the realm of possibility to imagine that this dream continues at 2:30PM today and Patrick Patterson announces he is staying for “one more year” of the Blue and White?
It’s possible, but highly unlikely that Patrick Patterson will announce he is returning as a Wildcat? Weirder things have happened in the world of sports. Tim Tebow was a first round pick. But could Patrick Patterson be walking through that door again to solidify the Wildcat frontcourt?
There is growing sentiment in Lexington that Patterson could return for his senior year. I have talked to a couple of people who admit that it is possible and there is a bit of buzz for Patterson’s return among those in the know. Personally, I think it is highly unlikely and say it is maybe a 25% chance that Patterson return, but you have to realize that Patrick Patterson is on the verge of expanding an incredible legacy at the University of Kentucky.
By returning, Patterson has a very good chance of become statistically, the greatest Wildcat ever. Keeping up with the current recruiting events, it is starting to feel that Kentucky is losing its grasp on big men C.J. Leslie and Terrence Jones. By Patrick Patterson returning, he would solidify the Wildcat’s front court and by teaming with Enes Kanter, propel Kentucky back into the national title discussion for next year. I don’t have to tell how how big Patterson’s return would be for Kentucky.
Such a scenario is hard to fathom. By returning, Patterson would be giving up a top 15 pick in the NBA draft and a guaranteed contract. With the NBA lockout looming however, it is not hard to imagine a flood of players jumping to the draft in the next few days before the deadline, preferring to get in one year of NBA action before what could be an ugly lockout. If this happens, it is possible that the lottery pool becomes more muddled and less of a certainty for Patterson.
Not very many Wildcat fans share the vision of another year for Patterson. It’s almost a foregone decision that his days as a Wildcat are numbered and hardly anyone is writing about the possibility of a return. And it’s nothing we should expect from him. No other player has exemplified what it means to be a Wildcat over the past decade than Patrick. And for that, we are eternally grateful.
From Day One as a Cat, Patrick has carried himself with dignity and poise, all while shouldering the dreams and expectations of a hungry Big Blue Nation. Today, he stands on the verge of graduating to the next level as one of the most beloved Wildcats in recent history. Regardless of Patrick’s decision today, we wish him luck.
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