I think I'm going to be sick.
Oliver Barry CRS,GRI Real Estate Broker Bob Parks Realty 1517 Hunt Club Blvd Gallatin TN 37066 Phone: 615-826-4040 Fax: 615-822-2027 Mobile: 615-972-4239 <http://www.gatorsports.com/global/graphics/blogs/gx/hdr/Hoops+Scoop.gif> October 22nd, 2009 12:23pm Patterson on UF <http://brockway.blogs.gatorsports.com/10431/patterson-on-uf/> by Kevin Brockway <http://brockway.blogs.gatorsports.com/author/brockway/> (Gainesville SUN) What could have been? Kentucky junior power forward Patrick Patterson has long been considered the missing piece to Florida's struggles the past two seasons. For team that has been ranked near the bottom of the league rebounding, field goal percentage defense and shot blocking, Patterson's presence on the boards at the rim could have made a huge impact. Patterson acknowledged Thursday morning during Southeastern Conference media days that Florida coach Billy Donovan's flirtation with the NBA and eventual six-day stint with the Orlando Magic played a role in his decision to pick Kentucky over Florida in 2007. "Oh yeah, that played a factor," Patterson said. "He told me if he left he would sign something to allow me to open my recruitment back up to other places. I was constantly listening to what people were saying, if he was going to take a job and he did take a job despite what he was saying, but he came back." Patterson also said his parents were prepared to move to Florida if he signed with the Gators. "Coach Donovan he's a great guy," Patterson said. "They have great players. Through the recruiting process, my father hit it off with him, my mother hit it off. I loved Florida. I loved the teammates, especially the campus and the girls down there. My mom and dad said they wanted to be wherever I was." Florida not only missed out on a All-SEC first team power forward, but a great kid as well. Patterson is on track to graduate in three years with a degree in communications. Asked if he would consider a career as an analyst after his basketball career is over, Patterson said, "Definitely. I could talk in front of the camera, hold the camera up, take pictures, whatever." --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ GATORS: ONE VOICE ON SATURDAY - NO VOICE ON SUNDAY! 1996 National Football Champions | 2006 National Basketball Champions 2006 National Football Champions | 2007 National Basketball Champions 2008 National Football Champions | Three Heisman Trophy winners: Steve Spurrier (1966), Danny Wuerffel (1996), Tim Tebow (2007) - Visit our website at www.gatornet.us -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
