Of the four, Patterson has always been the most important

[Caveman Catfan]

Sure, as a UK fan, you wanted Gillispie to cap off his entrance to UK with an amazing feat of recruiting wizardry. And, it appeared for weeks that the magic would be spectacular with some combination of Hamga, Lucas, Sanchez, and Patterson joining the Legion already committed to the Cats.

That dream, in its entirety, was dashed yesterday. The reasons were many, each relatively understandable (with the possible exception of Hamga, which was just plain confusing).

But, throughout that dream one constant remained, the most important recruit for Gillispie to connect with and land was Patterson, the power forward with intensity from W.V. Although some may argue Lucas was more important, his importance was premised on him being the key worm on the bigger hook necessary to land Patterson.

Lucas' decision, like all rejection, hurts, but with the crop of guards growing at UK, his diminutive presence was not a necessity. And with one of the best point guards in recent history sitting in the junior class with UK on his list, Lucas' pick might have even been a blessing in disguise for UK.

Sanchez, Laettner-lite, would have brought unknown potential to the Cats. He was highly regarded before his knees bent badly and caused him to sit out a big chunk of playing time. A cloud of question and a potential future of on and off rehab would have certainly been paired with the excitement of his commitment.

But, Patterson has always remained the main ingredient to this recruiting class. Before Williams, Stewart or Legion, there was Patrick Patterson. He was the prize that only the most jaded or ignorant could question. His recruitment for Tubby signified the potential catch that has eluded him, whether in fiction or fact, during his career, the top flight power forward.

For Gillispie, Patterson means an instant contributor who would eat up significant minutes on the floor as a true frosh. He could make the difference between running four players below 6'6" on the floor at all times and having some legitimate talented size on the floor. He could be the presence in the paint on defense that this team will need next season, teaming with Stevenson to created a young formidable tandem of swatology.

No, there is no doubt, Patterson is the real potential gem in Gillispie's first class as a Cat.

So, it is either a fatefully glorious thing that his decision will come after the pain of the last 24 hours or it is a cruel coup de gras smackdown.

In about 24 hours from this post, we will know which.

[Craig the Blueheart]

Sure, as a UK fan, you wanted Gillispie to cap off his entrance to UK with an amazing feat of recruiting wizardry. And, it appeared for weeks that the magic would be spectacular with some combination of Hamga, Lucas, Sanchez, and Patterson joining the Legion already committed to the Cats.

That dream, in its entirety, was dashed yesterday. The reasons were many, each relatively understandable (with the possible exception of Hamga, which was just plain confusing).

But, throughout that dream one constant remained, the most important recruit for Gillispie to connect with and land was Patterson, the power forward with intensity from W.V. Although some may argue Lucas was more important, his importance was premised on him being the key worm on the bigger hook necessary to land Patterson.

Lucas' decision, like all rejection, hurts, but with the crop of guards growing at UK, his diminutive presence was not a necessity. And with one of the best point guards in recent history sitting in the junior class with UK on his list, Lucas' pick might have even been a blessing in disguise for UK.

Sanchez, Laettner-lite, would have brought unknown potential to the Cats. He was highly regarded before his knees bent badly and caused him to sit out a big chunk of playing time. A cloud of question and a potential future of on and off rehab would have certainly been paired with the excitement of his commitment.

But, Patterson has always remained the main ingredient to this recruiting class. Before Williams, Stewart or Legion, there was Patrick Patterson. He was the prize that only the most jaded or ignorant could question. His recruitment for Tubby signified the potential catch that has eluded him, whether in fiction or fact, during his career, the top flight power forward.

For Gillispie, Patterson means an instant contributor who would eat up significant minutes on the floor as a true frosh. He could make the difference between running four players below 6'6" on the floor at all times and having some legitimate talented size on the floor. He could be the presence in the paint on defense that this team will need next season, teaming with Stevenson to created a young formidable tandem of swatology.

No, there is no doubt, Patterson is the real potential gem in Gillispie's first class as a Cat.

So, it is either a fatefully glorious thing that his decision will come after the pain of the last 24 hours or it is a cruel coup de gras smackdown.

In about 24 hours from this post, we will know which.


Good post, and I could not agree more with what you said relative to the importance of each recruit.

[BRN2BNK]

Does anyone know when PP is supposed to make his mind up tomorrow via press conference?

[crazzedcats22]

Does anyone know when PP is supposed to make his mind up tomorrow via press conference?

3:45 ET

[RCS]

Get Patterson and the others are forgotten. Lose him and they all hurt worse. He is the key and always has been to this class.

[KapitalCat]

Kentucky needs big bodies that can play. Right now today, Billy G may have to go 4 guard with Stevenson. Patterson or Hamga, or Sanchez would have been huge. Patterson is a perfect fit for KY, close to home, starts from day one, but I just don't like the vibes I'm getting. I don't think he's coming to KY.

[Got_Billie_G?]

we need Patterson in the worst way now that we wiffed on Hamga and Sanchez...if we get one of those guys the potential sting of losing Patterson isn't as great...getting Hamga and Patterson would have been HUGE for next year, if we lose out on Patterson, wow, I'm a big picture kind of guy so I'll be OK taking some bumps next year but we need to get the 08 studs to committ.

[Caveman Catfan]

Patterson alone would be a better catch than getting all three of the others, IMO. There is an immediate need for a PF that can come right in and contribute. Hamga might have been forced prematurely into action, but he is no Patterson. Sanchez comes with question marks about his knees. And, Lucas would come a year early for our need for another guard, even though we need a true point guard that can score. With the guards we have, we can mask that deficiency.

[WildFan]

The quick reversal of Hamga from looking to be a UK lock then signing with UNLV, coupled with Sanchez signing at Arkansas could mean they were asked to wait on Patterson's decision. It could also mean Billy G knows the decision. Perhaps none of this is true and Hamga did sign with UNLV because of the connection of a graduating player from Africa, and Sanchez signed with Arkansas because of the proximity to his home.

Could be Jai signed with Florida because he knows Patterson is going there. Lucas may however have no idea where Patterson is going and simply signed with UF because Green was out of the picture.

Too much to speculate on, way too much. But you are right, Patterson is the on we have needed all along. We'll just have to wait till Wednesday afternoon. :shrug1:

[RCS]

Sanchez signed with Arkansas because of the proximity to his home.

[/quote]
Both Sanchez parents played sports for Ark(mom BB, Dad Track) and he lived 15 minutes away. I don't think once Pel came on we had any real shot at getting him. I think Hamga was afraid he would be thrown to the fire early and recruited over later and just thought it might not be the best situation for him. I don't think either of their decisions are Patterson related since I think BCG would have taken either of them no matter what Patterson does.
I am cautiously optimistic that Patterson is come to UK, but who the hell knows at this point.

[Caveman Catfan]

Signing Patterson saves this class (letter received).

Back when Tubby left the program, I thought that only Donovan or Calipari could come into the program and save this recruiting class. I thought Lucas and Patterson were must lands.

In retrospect, only Patterson was a must land.

And, the class that Gillispie will be bringing in is as good or better than the one I thought would be coming. Legion for Lucas is a good trade for UK.

[WildcatRick]

Signing Patterson saves this class (letter received).

Back when Tubby left the program, I thought that only Donovan or Calipari could come into the program and save this recruiting class. I thought Lucas and Patterson were must lands.

In retrospect, only Patterson was a must land.

And, the class that Gillispie will be bringing in is as good or better than the one I thought would be coming. Legion for Lucas is a good trade for UK.

Couldnt agree more, Mike!! Great post.

[UKfaninCO]

Signing Patterson saves this class (letter received).

Back when Tubby left the program, I thought that only Donovan or Calipari could come into the program and save this recruiting class. I thought Lucas and Patterson were must lands.

In retrospect, only Patterson was a must land.

And, the class that Gillispie will be bringing in is as good or better than the one I thought would be coming. Legion for Lucas is a good trade for UK.

I agree.

A class of Patterson, Legion, Stewart, Williams, and the Benson kid will be much better overall than I thought it would. I didn't think Jai was a must have, but a nice to have, which in the end was why he went to UF. UK is not for everyone and perhaps Hamga decided it was too much for him. Sanchez had the opportunity to play for his favorite team, hard to fault the kid for that. In the end, UK has a great 07 class. A LOT better than I thought we would have with the leadership change. Hat is off to Coach G. He did a tremendous job of getting what we NEEDED the most.

[poodoo]

Signing Patterson saves this class (letter received).

Back when Tubby left the program, I thought that only Donovan or Calipari could come into the program and save this recruiting class. I thought Lucas and Patterson were must lands.

In retrospect, only Patterson was a must land.

And, the class that Gillispie will be bringing in is as good or better than the one I thought would be coming. Legion for Lucas is a good trade for UK.

Excellent post, Caveman. :) GO CATS! GO BILLY G!