Patterson withdrawing from NBA Draft, will return to Kentucky
Patrick Patterson is withdrawing from the NBA Draft to return to Kentucky for his junior season.
Patterson averaged 17.9 points and 9.3 rebounds this past season, and his return to the UK frontcourt will allow John Calipari to work with a roster that should be favored to win the SEC even if the Wildcats don't have Jodie Meeks (still undecided on his future) or John Wall (still uncommitted). On the other hand, if Calipari lures Meeks back to school and then enrolls Wall, there will be no ceiling on what can be accomplished, and Kentucky would likely steal some first-place preseason votes from Kansas and be among the favorites to win the national title.
"I have the chance to graduate in three years, which is important to me and my family," Patterson said. "I want to help Kentucky compete for a national title, and even more than that win its eighth national championship. I'm also really excited about playing for Coach Cal and developing my game in the dribble drive offense."
Meeks has until June 15 to withdraw from the NBA Draft.
"In the month that I've been at Kentucky, I've been blown away by Patrick Patterson," Calipari said. "He is one of the nicest individuals I've met and one of the fiercest competitors that I've been around. I'm thrilled I get to coach him next year."
Wall is still considering many schools -- among them Kentucky, Duke, Miami and Florida.
