When he was recruited three years ago, Patrick Patterson was the one player Kentucky needed to give the Wildcats a viable option in the post. He was the first major recruit of the post-Tubby Smith era.


Back then, Kentucky had a shortage of post players who could grab rebounds at random and provide a threat underneath the basket. Although Patterson will be counted on to provide a bucket and a rebound or two this season, look for more from the Kentucky junior on the wing floating around the perimeter.

Patterson, a consistent field goal shooter throughout his career at Kentucky, connected on 11 shots on 15 attempts and grabbed eight rebounds for the blue team in the team’s Blue-White game Wednesday night at Rupp Arena.
Patterson wasn’t lost in John Calipari’s offensive attack and played within the flow of the offense.

“What I liked was that he was able to play this offense yet was still so alive under the basket,” the Kentucky coach said. “Some people worry that you play this way but never get to the post. You will learn how to get to the post. And we have to figure out ways to get him to the post. I thought that he did a good job and got himself there. He shot a high percentage.”

What was even more impressive was Patterson’s ability to shoot from long range. Patterson made two-of-four shots from behind the arc.
“Didn't you like seeing him shooting threes?” Kentucky coach John Calipari said. “Aren't you amazed at his skills out on the floor where he can catch it at 20-feet and then drive it and shoot a layup and go by people? He is talented.”

The addition of an all-star freshman class, combined with a mixture of core veterans, has taken much of the pressure off Patterson. No longer is Patterson being counted on to provide a big chunk of the offense. He now has much-needed help in the post.
“We're all confident in each other and our playing time,” he said. “We just want to win. Anyone can play out there at anytime like you saw today. My teammates are knocking down shots, Josh (Harrellson) is playing well all the way down to Daniel (Orton) just everyone providing minutes and providing points.

“Playing time won't be affected as long as we win. Everyone is just going to come to play and be ready."
Patterson will get his points underneath the basket and will continue to shoot 3-pointers “as long as they keep going in.”
 
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Last Updated (Friday, 06 November 2009 21:47)