As the 14th overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets select Patrick Patterson from the University of Kentucky.
Patrick Patterson is one of the most beloved Wildcats in recent history. Coming in under Billy Gillespie, he endured two years of below sub-par basketball results for the most storied program in the country.
Barely making the NCAA in 2008 and being relegated to the NIT in 2009, Patrick could have easily chosen a quick trip to the NBA.
In walks John Calipari and in Coach Cal, Patrick found the coach he was expecting when he came to UK. Along with Coach Cal, he became a part of a team that was being hailed as a possible title contender.
Patrick decided to stay, develop his game and try and help Kentucky hang it’s 8th banner in the rafters of Rupp. His decision paid off as he was one of five Wildcats to be selected in the first round of the 2010 NBA Draft.
Today, the Houston Rockets announced that Patrick will move to the D league and play for the Rockets’ NBA Developmental League affiliate, the [URL=”http://www.nba.com/dleague/riograndevalley/”]Rio Grande Vipers[/URL].
Before you get depressed or think something negative, lets get some insight to why the decision was made from the Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey when he told InsideHoops.com that the team is too deep at Patterson’s power forward/center position to make playing time available for Patrick.
[LEFT] [QUOTE]”Patrick is making tremendous strides in practice and coach is very comfortable that he could help us win in the NBA right now,” Morey said. “However, our depth at the big spot with Yao Ming, Luis Scola, Brad Miller, Jordan Hill and Chuck Hayes means there is no playing time available. We believe strongly that players improve best by playing in games and the upcoming stretch presented a timely opportunity for Patrick to join Vipers training camp.”[/QUOTE]
Patrick is expected to begin practice with the Vipers on Wednesday. Patrick will be joining former UK teammate and current Viper, Ramon Harris, who signed with the Vipers last week.
[LEFT] [QUOTE]”We will accordingly track Patrick’s development closely and feel that this is a vital process in his overall maturation,” said Vipers General Manager Gersson Rosas, who is also the Rockets’ vice president of player personnel.[/QUOTE]
[LEFT] The NBA Development League develops not only players, but referees, coaches and front-office staff for the NBA. At the conclusion of the 2009-10 season, 20 percent of players in the NBA had D-League experience.
The league’s 10th season tips off Nov. 18 and Nation of Blue will keep you updated on the progress of Patterson.
Best of luck to P Pat and Go Cats!!!
[URL=”http://www.kentucky.com/2010/11/09/1517710/rockets-send-ex-cat-patterson.html?utm_source=MoggyTweet”]
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[URL=”http://www.kentucky.com/2010/11/09/1517710/rockets-send-ex-cat-patterson.html?utm_source=MoggyTweet”]Full story at Kentucky.com.[/URL]
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