OK, that's a wee bit dramatic. However, a half-dozen programs in America are
playing tug-of-war for the 6-foot-8 Huntington High (West Va.) senior power
forward and Scout.com's 11th-rated player in the Class of 2007.
 |
| Believe it or not, Patrick Patterson may have a
bigger impact on whichever program he lands at than his more famous high
school teammate, O.J. Mayo. (McDonald's, Henny Ray Abrams, HO /
Associated Press) |
Patrick Patterson, who averaged 17.6 points and double-digit boards this past season,
may have taken a back seat to O.J. Mayo this season at Huntington, but he'll
have a more significant impact on whatever program he eventually chooses than
Mayo will have in his one season at USC.
Everyone questioned Patterson as his recruitment moved at a snail's pace.
While nearly every other elite player has made a decision on his college
destination, Patterson was still trying to whittle his list of schools from six
to three.
Then came the news that Kentucky's Tubby Smith was headed to Minnesota and
was being replaced by Billy Gillispie. To further complicate matters, West Virginia hired native son Bob Huggins to replace John Beilein.
"People were telling me that waiting so long was a bad decision,"
Patterson said. "Now they are all telling me how smart I am."
"I am going to take my time," Patterson said on Sunday night.
"I may wait until May."
We're not going to deem Patterson the next Shelden Williams just yet, but
we're going to run down the six programs, their chances of landing the skilled,
yet powerful forward and the impact he'd have on each.
The two-time defending national champs lose their entire front line —
Joakim Noah, Al Horford and Corey Brewer. There is plenty of playing time and
there are some similarities between Horford and Patterson — even down to their
personalities. The word is that Patterson may be leaning toward going to
Gainesville.
Patterson would come in and make an instant impact for Billy Donovan's club.
In fact, he would likely start for Florida from Day One. It also doesn't hurt
that Patterson's friend, unsigned point guard Jai Lucas, is also looking hard at
the Gators.
Chances of Landing Patterson: 35 Percent
With Patterson: NCAA tournament
Without: NIT
The Blue Devils already have an impressive recruiting class, headlined by
versatile forward Kyle Singer, and it would be arguably the best in the country
if Patterson opts to head to Durham. Josh McRoberts is gone, so Coach K will
need someone to fill his spot in the middle.
Patterson will be a much better fit in nearly every aspect than McRoberts. He
would provide the low-post presence that Duke was sorely lacking a year ago and
will also significant improve, along with Singer, the team chemistry.
Chances: 23 Percent
With Patterson: Sweet 16 or maybe even Elite Eight
Without: Second round of NCAA tournament
It's remarkable that Dave Leitao and the Cavaliers have been able to hang
around and remain in serious contention for Patterson because the program
doesn't have a comparable resume to that of Duke or Florida. However, it's
fairly close in proximity (4½ hours) — and it didn't hurt that Virginia had a
terrific season this past year and Patterson was in attendance when the
Cavaliers opened their new building and pulled the upset over Arizona.
If Sean Singletary returns next year and Leitao somehow manages to land
Patterson, you can pencil in the Cavaliers as legitimate contenders for the ACC
title. Without Patterson, Virginia remains somewhat thin up front. Not only
would Patterson be a major boost to the program for next year, it would also
help recruiting efforts in the future.
Chances: 20 Percent
With Patterson: Top half of the ACC
Without: Bottom half of the league
Kentucky
Billy Gillispie is the "X" factor. Lexington is only two hours away
from Patterson's home and his parents would love to see their son play as much
as possible. However, Patterson doesn't know Gillispie at all — other than
watching Texas A&M on television. Gillispie is a quality recruiter and is
extremely persuasive, so the Wildcats could certainly move into the top three by
the time Monday night is over — which is when Gillispie gets an opportunity to
come into the Patterson home and make his pitch.
Kentucky's roster may not be void of talent, but it's certainly not stocked
with the kind of talent that fans in Lexington are used to. Randolph Morris is
already in the NBA and there's not much else up front. Gillispie will also try
and use the fact that Kentucky has been involved with Lucas to his advantage.
Chances: 15 Percent
With Patterson: NCAA tournament
Without: NIT
West Virginia
John Beilein and the Mountaineers have been on the in-state star the longest,
but for the last two years or so, they had slowly started to lose some steam as
the big boys started to come after Patterson hard. Now Bob Huggins has taken
over at West Virginia and Patterson would be a huge coup for the program, but
this one just doesn't seem to fit.
Huggins has to make up way too much ground and the Patterson family is all
about relationships. This is a relationship that just doesn't seem to mesh.
Chances: 5 Percent
With Patterson: NCAA tournament
Without: NIT
Wake Forest
Skip Prosser and the Demon Deacons have managed to hang around, but they
aren't real players in the Patterson Sweepstakes. Prosser could really use a big
man to replace Kyle Visser, but he'll have to wait a couple more years until Ty Walker, a 7-foot junior, comes onto campus.
Chances: 2 Percent
With Patterson: NIT
Without Patterson: NIT