Patrick Patterson will stay in school

With the ascent to stardom by UK's Jodie Meeks and Patrick Patterson, the question around campus is whether the duo will be in Lexington next season. In this post I will tackle why Patrick Patterson will and should stay in school.

He is 6 feet 8 inches. No matter what kind of stats Patterson puts up he cannot change this fact. He will be an undersized 4 in the NBA. Even with the success of some undersized bigs (ie Paul Millsap), NBA execs do not take undersized bigs in the lottery. Even this year, in a very weak draft, Patterson is not projected by most publications to be a lottery pick. Also, historically, name the last time someone that a "small" 4 got drafted in the top 10? Charles Barkley?

With the fact that he is undersized there are several skills he can improve before making the leap to the league.

First, he is extremely right handed dominant. According to Synergy he drives or uses his right 90% of the time. His primary post moves involve turning over his left shoulder and shooting a little jump hook or turn around jump shot. He needs to develop his dropstep and the ability to finish with his left around the basket. With being undersized it would help him greatly to have more dexterity to his game.

Secondly, his midrange game, which has the potential to be very good, needs to be on display more. He has nice touch from the free throw line meaning his midrange jumper should follow suit. I would like to see him develop a turn and face game in the post ala Tim Duncan's bank jumper. Next season with Daniel Orton, he could play some high post and develop his mdrange game.

I think Patrick Patterson has a bright future in the NBA as a solid role player. He has great hands and the ability to rebound the basketball. But, there are areas he needs to improve before he can make a significant impact. With the ability to improve and Patterson's love for being BMOC, I see him in Lexington next season.