May 8, 2009

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky sophomore Patrick Patterson will withdraw his name from the NBA Draft and will return to Kentucky for his junior season.

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.”

An All-SEC performer, Patterson was the only player in the SEC to rank in the top five in scoring (17.9 ppg) and rebounding (9.3 rpg). Patterson also led the SEC in double-doubles with 15, the eighth most in a single season in UK history.

“In the month that I’ve been at Kentucky, I’ve been blown away by Patrick Patterson,” Head Coach John Calipari said. “He is one of the nicest individuals I’ve met and one of the fiercest competitors that I’ve been around. I’m thrilled I get to coach him next year.”

Kentucky will have a media opportunity with Patterson and Coach Calipari on Monday in the Memorial Coliseum media room, tentatively set for 1 p.m.