By LARRY VAUGHT

He played high school basketball with current NBA star O.J Mayo and he’s playing now with John Wall, the likely No. 1 pick in this summer’s NBA draft. He was recruited by many of the nation’s best college coaches, played two years for Billy Gillispie and is finishing his first — and likely only — season with John Calipari.

Yet Kentucky junior Patrick Patterson doesn’t hesitate when describing who has had the biggest influence on his basketball career.

“Probably my mother and father by being so supportive. They always travel no matter where I am at to come to a game. They never miss a game. They always make arrangements or work around their schedule so they can come and support me,” said Patterson. “They are constantly talking to me about basketball. My family is just extremely supportive and loving and they have influenced me on everything I have done on the court and off.”

Patterson played what is expected to be his final home game at Rupp Arena today when Kentucky met Florida because he’s in position to be a high NBA first-round draft pick if he puts his name into the draft. He did so last year, but then took it out to return to Kentucky to finish his degree, improve his skills and pursue a national championship  — a move his parents fully supported.

If he does leave for the NBA, he knows his parents’ support will have played a huge role in helping him develop his talent even though his mother, Tywanna, and father, Buster, have different type personalities.

“My mom even now is still picking up on all the basketball rules and stuff on and off the court. My dad has been a fan of the game since he was young. He is constantly screaming and yelling during games,” Patterson said. “He gives constructive criticism from the sideline. My mom will shout out a few things every now and then, but she’s not like my father.

“After the game, my mom is always the one talking and trying to do this or that and trying to get fans to do this or that or trying to get me to sign stuff for someone or being more vocal or organizing stuff off the court. My father is more laid back when I am not playing and let’s my mom help handle all those things. But I love them both for what they have done for me.”

9 Responses to “Patterson praises parents”