By LARRY VAUGHT
If there is one plus for Kentucky’s Patrick Patterson going into Thursday’s NBA draft, it would be that teams don’t have to speculate about what he can do or might do.
“He has been in college for three years. He is a known commodity,†said ESPN draft analyst Fran Fraschilla, a former college head coach. “You know what you are getting. You are making a judgment when you pick a guy as to how his whole body of work translates to the NBA. There are guys like Patterson helping teams as rotation players who are winning games for teams.â€Â
Another ESPN draft analyst, Jay Bilas, also thinks teams like knowing what Patterson will add based on watching him play for three years.
“He really improved his face-up game and ability to knock down perimeter shots (last season),†Bilas said. “Where he is most valuable is he is a good offensive rebounder and can finish around the basket and does the dirty work. He’s a very good defender. He has a wing span of 7-1. He keeps his mouth shut, goes to work and I like him.
“He can improve his shooting and his free throw shooting needs to get better, and will. I do think he needs to do a better job guarding on the perimeter. He will have to guard face-up fours (power forwards) and some pick-and-roll action.â€Â
However, Bilas says teams know Patterson is a blue-chip investment.
“Patrick is more stable. You know what you are going to get,†Bilas said. “If you are buying stock, Patrick is kind of the Coca-Cola stock. He will give you a consistent rate of return. He is solid. You know what you are getting.â€Â
7 Responses to Analysts: Patterson a known commodity
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As I have said before. If he is not deserving of a lottery pick NO ONE IS! ! !
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. GO BLUE OR STAY HOME
I think every UK fan would agree
Patrick Patterson is one of the best players ever to wear the blue and white, and over the last 15 years, which covers a lot of ground and a lot of really terrific players, he ranks in the top 5 for game efficiency in his UK career. On the 2010 team, he was the most efficient player on the team, yet he sacrificed personal accolades and attention for his team and his teammates.
He will be a credit to any NBA roster, and I look forward to watching his career unfold over the next few years.
I have said all along, as all the “experts” were saying Pat was undersized, that they are FULL OF CRAP! He will be an amazing pro. His work ethic is second to none and will carry him to great heights as an NBA player. He WILL improve in every area, over the years and will become just as solid a player as Chuck and Tayshaun.
And Jay’s statement that “he keeps his mouth shut and goes to work” is probably the best characteristic about Patrick. He is not out on the court to showboat or gain personal glory. He is out there to WIN GAMES! No team could ask for more from a player, especially in today’s atmosphere of ME, ME, ME!!
A lottery pick would be VERY well spent on Pat.
GO BIG BLUE!!!!
Thanks for this piece, Larry, and I agree with virtually everything that’s said within the piece itself and the comments tha follow. Too, I will especially be looking forward to hearing Patrick’s name called Thursday night. May the best team for Patrick’s future select him, for this outstanding young man deserves just that.
Best news is Patrick and his family are going to New York for the draft. Doesn’t guarantee he will be a top 20 pick, but sure makes it likely. Obviously hoping he goes higher, but that will still be pretty darn good.
He better be selected in the lottery or someone(s) should lose their job(s)!