Patrick Patterson's thoughts on Florida's Alex Tyus: he does it because "The ladies like it".
Kentucky faces their sci-fi foes, the Florida Gators in the widely talked about Senior Day. The Cats come into the game a -11.5 point favorite as not only seniors Perry Stevenson, Ramon Harris, Mark Krebs take their last action in Rupp, but also talented underclassmen core of John Wall, Demarcus Cousins, Patrick Patterson, and Eric Bledsoe may be in their last game as well.
Some quick notes about the Cats taking part in Senior Day activities:
Perry Stevenson: Stevenson's four years had peaks and valleys. In the loss to VMI last season, "Prairie Dog" Stevenson had career best double-double tallying career high 20 points and 14 rebounds. Stevenson lived through pop-tart practices to see his minutes decrease dramatically this season but he could be the best 8/9 man in the country.
"Razor" Ramon Harris: The Alaskan Assassin may be offensively challenged, but his Defense and hussel has provided a great spark at times. Razor Ramon is another UK senior that saw himself go from starter to role player and accepted it.
Mark Krebs: The walk-on received a scholarship from Kentucky this year. Krebs has seen limited action but is a fan favorite for the past few years. Krebs was known for being the only guy to understand the dribble-drive motion offense early on in the season. Krebs is one of two Cats that don't get to see the court regularly, but he does it with a smile.
Patrick Patterson: Early this week the Lexington Herald Leader's Mark Story wrote an article describing how senior day should only be for seniors. I believe Mr Story was a bit incorrect of his inclusion of Patrick Patterson into this 'non-senior' class. Patterson is set to graduate this semister, which by all calculations places him as a senior, despite having one more year of basketball eligibility. Patterson is the heart of the team and has willingly taken a back seat this season to the talented freshmen.
So we'll let the debate stand on "will they come back/won't they come back", but for these guys, their senior day will be special. Now its just a matter of how they can turn the tide on the Gators. My prediction: Cats end the regular season on a high note 76-69 and show Billy D one more reason he should have taken the job at Kentucky.
I think that is absolutely atrocious that the Lexington paper would print something saying that Senior Day should only be for Seniors. Granted, it's called "Senior Day" but it's a celebration of the careers(no matter how long or short)of your key contributing players who are departing early, and as well as the dedicated kids who stuck it out for 4 years because they aren't NBA Caliber.
ReplyDeletePatrick Patterson is the personification of a college player who does everything the right way. In the down years he was one of the very few "sparks" that Kentucky had to keep the fans hopeful. Even with a lackluster team, he and Meeks always kept UK in most games. The guy could probably have left after his freshman, and definitely a sophomore year, but he STAYED to graduate and earn his degree, and because he believed in the team under Cal.
Someone, ESPECIALLY IN LEXINGTON, who doesn't think he should be recognized for his achievements should be slapped. UL did the same thing for Garcia when he left early, Patterson, Wall, Cousins, and Bledsoe deserve the same respect.
Last year Earl Clark reportedly told Pitino that he didn't want to be recognized on senior day because he thought it would take some of the attention away from T-Will, McGee, and Will Scott. Pitino included him anyway which was cool since Clark had been a solid contributor for three years. To not honor a three year guy who is going to the NBA would be a disservice to the player, the program, and the fans. So as for this Lexington reporter, I defer to Carl Weathers and say "Bullshit!!!"
ReplyDeleteI agree with both of you guys. That guy is an ass. Patterson is graduating with his degree in only 3 years in college and he deserved the honor.
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