It’s been a long road for Patrick Patterson to get to where he is today. After winning three state championships in high school, he was one of the more underrated yet solid players in the class of 2007. After Tubby Smith’s departure from Kentucky, the chances to get a big name player like Patterson looked slim. But Billy Gillispie somehow got him onboard to come to Lexington to wear the Blue and White. Patterson averaged 16 and 17 ppg in his first two seasons, as he was the go-to-guy gor UK in two mediocre seasons overall under Gillispie. Patterson contemplated leaving for the NBA after that, but his heart was calling him back for one more year to accomplish unfinished business with a new coach and team. His scoring average was 14 ppg his junior year, but he was a more well-rounded player than before, being able to shoot from beyond the arc, something he wasn’t able to do before. He also won the SEC Tournament and played in his first ever NCAA Tournament, before going pro. And after all this time, he is still one of the more underrated players out there.
In high school, he was overshadowed by teammate OJ Mayo. In college he was overshadowed by Luke Harangody, Wayne Chism, and by teammates Jodie Meeks, DeMarcus Cousins, and John Wall. Yet he was always there whenever his team needed him. He is a solid power forward who has developed his game tremendously. Now in the NBA, he will have to continue that role has the underrated yet passionate player for the Houston Rockets. He will play alongside the likes of Yao Ming, Chuck Hayes, Shane Battier, and Luis Scola.
The advantage for Patterson here, is that he has the opportunity to gain playing time with experienced veterans. The only thing is he most likely won’t play right away. Luis Scola is, as of today, a free agent. But the Rockets are looking to make a new contract for him as their starting power forward. And depending on how Yao recovers from his injury last season, he will find the court at center as well as former Wildcat Chuck Hayes. Patterson will be in a similar situation as Hayes. He will not play right away, but he will gain playing time as did Hayes. And throughout the past five years Hayes has proved to be a solid player, just as Patterson will be. If anything, Patterson will find himself battling Jordan Hill and Jared Jeffries for the backup spot to Scola, but he will earn it down the line.
Patterson has put in a ton of hard work and heart into his game over the years. He has grown on Kentucky fans has one of their most beloved players, because he was there when no one else could be. He has polished his game and he still continues to improve. His work ethic and mind set as a rookie makes him the ideal player, and the Rockets are lucky to have him.
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