Although he will participate in Senior Day ceremonies on Sunday against Florida, junior forward Patrick Patterson has made no decision on whether he will turn pro after this season.
Patterson, who is set to graduate in three years, said he’s participating in Senior Day activities “just in case” he doesn’t get to do it next year. The three-year star, who has never played in an NCAA Tournament game, said the decision could hinge on UK’s success in the postseason.
“If I become satisfied with what I’ve done, what’ve done as a team and what we’ve accomplished, my decision to leave will be easier to make,” Patterson said. “I’m just focusing on accomplishing these goals, the team goals, and then the other goals for myself this year to make that decision easier.”
Asked what would satisfy him, Patterson said a Southeastern Conference championship, an NCAA championship and his teammates getting recognized for the awards they deserve.
“If everything I do satisfies me and I feel like I’ve done enough for the university and for myself and I think I can move on, then I most likely will,” Patterson.
However, Patterson stopped short of saying Sunday would be his last home game because of the enjoyment he gets from playing at the University of Kentucky.
“It’s something I’m not sure if I’m ready to give up or not,” Patterson said.
More on Patterson and the seniors later. For now, I have to head down for head coach John Calipari’s media availability.