One of the things I have been clamoring about during this streak is the fact that not only is it crippling Duke's NCAA chances by the day, it may hurt their future and by that I mean they might miss out on highly-tauted Patrick Patterson next year. Although Patterson hasn't narrowed his list of schools down at all (I think only Arkansas Pine-Bluff has been ruled out), the main schools he is supposedly considering are Duke, Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia, who seems to be a long shot considering he would not fit in to their style of play (1-3-1 Zone). I think once OJ Mayo decided to go to USC, West Virginia went out the window. So, that leaves Kentucky, Duke, and Virginia. Although it hurts to say, he makes the most sense at Virginia. They are guard heavy and desperate for an interior man of his caliber. However, Sean Singletary could bolt after this season and JR Reynolds is a Senior so their team won't be as strong next year. That should factor into Patterson's decision immensely. He makes the least amount of sense for Kentucky considering their weakness is outside shooting and their biggest strength is Randolph Morris on the inside. Then, there is Duke who desperately needs him. Sure, they have Josh McRoberts and Brian Zoubek certainly has upside but they need a go-to post player like Patterson who is drawing comparisons to Elton Brand.
According to Dick Weiss and I want to go on record to say I think this would be a bad idea but McRoberts is gone after this year. I think it's a bad idea because this will be the deepest draft class since 1996 with talent and I can't see McRoberts being anything but a late first round pick based solely on his potential. He was better off leaving last year. He needs to stick around for another year, work on his perimeter shot and then bolt next year in a much weaker class, one that will be guard heavy as well (Mayo, Eric Gordon, Derrick Rose). So, anyways, Patterson hasn't indicated when he will make his decision. He was impressed by Duke when he was down there and actually witnessed their last win against BC on Shelden Williams Day. BUT, it couldn't have helped when he watched Virginia upset Duke in front of an electric crowd. AND, it certainly isn't helping that this team is struggling so much. The only positive you could take out of this 4-game losing streak is that it's obvious to anyone with eye sight that Duke is in desperate need of a post presence. Patterson will instantly give them that. So, let's halt this steak, get on the right track, get into the NCAA's, win a game or two, and regroup with Patterson joining an already stellar recruiting class led by Kyle Singler, Taylor King, and Nolan Smith. If McRoberts hangs around and they get Patterson, Duke will be ranked in the Top 5 Preseason Poll for sure.
If Coach K hasn't already did it, I am pleading to Patrick Patterson, come to Duke, we need you!!
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