Kentucky sophomore forward Patrick Patterson has decided to withdraw his name from the NBA Draft and return to school and play for new coach John Calipari. Patterson averaged 17.9 points and 9.3 rebounds per game this past season. With Calipari at the helm and a host of highly regarded recruits arriving in Lexington, Patterson’s presence will make Kentucky a national championship contender. The sophomore explained three reasons for returning to school in a university press release.
Patterson, a 6-foot-9 forward, led the Southeastern Conference last season and ranked 11th in the country in field goal percentage with a 60.3 clip. The Huntington, W. Va., native said he had three reasons for returning to UK.
“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.”
