Power Forward Supreme Rules the
Summer Circuit

Ivan McDowell
Southeast/Mid-South Editor

Not many players in the country had a better summer or improved their positioning amongst the nation’s elite more than West Virginia power forward Pat Patterson.

After beginning the summer as a high major prospect, the 6’8, 240-pound post player cemented his place in the the crème de la crème of the 2007 class. Top programs have begun to take notice too.

Duke, Florida, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Georgetown, Kentucky and others, have all inquired about Patterson’s services. Coinciding with the rise in production, exposure and subsequently suitors, is the meteoric ascent in the rankings of the top scouting services in America. Patterson, who began the summer as a borderline top 100 prospect, has risen to the top 15, according to Rivals.com and Scout.com recruiting web sites.

Displaying a nice jumper out to three-point range, enough dribble drive ability facing the basket to keep the defense honest, and the skill set to dominate on the blocks against anyone, when adding his shot blocking and tenacity on the glass, there is no wonder Patterson is one of the most complete players in the country.

Patrick Patterson repeatedly dominated inside for Boo Williams AAU this year.

“I’ve been able to work on a lot this summer, especially at the Nike Camp and here at the Peach Jam, plus playing against top competition too”, said Patterson, who led Boo Williams in rebounds and blocks this summer, while finishing second in scoring to point guard Chris Wright.

At Nike’s Peach Jam, “Big Pat”, as he was affectionately referred to during the tournament, averaged 10 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Along side rising junior Ed Davis the duo made a formidable front line during Boo Williams’ run to the event’s semifinals. Pat also showcased both his rebounding prowess and shot swatting ability at June’s Memorial Day Classic, in which he led the camp in boards and rejections.

Big Pat’s family watched intently during both tourney’s, following him from court to court and wearing t-shirts bearing his name and likeness.

“We support Patrick in everything he does and wanted to let him know that his family loves him and is there for him”, exclaimed Tawana Patterson, Pat’s mom.

Fans witnessing Pat’s game for the first time in either Nashville (MDC) or North Augusta, SC (Peach Jam) found out what Huntington, West Virginia natives have known for a few seasons now. Pat is a man!!

Patterson and the Huntington High School Highlanders (Huntington, W.V.) are poised to three-peat as West Virginia 3A champs.

Patterson led Huntington High to back-to-back 3A State Championships and was named West Virginia player of the year in 2005. This season, Patrick will try to win a third straight title playing alongside Oklahoma commit Chris Early and newly transferred O.J. Mayo - the #1 player in the nation, who hails from Huntington, but comes over from North College Hill in Cincinnati.

The addition of Mayo and the continued emergence of Early will help Huntington on their quest for a third title, but Pat Patterson is the straw the stirs the Highlanders drink; they will once again be dependent on “Big Pat” to once again lead them to glory.