Open Letter To Patrick Patterson

Dear Patrick,

This must be Hell for you. Every time you think you've made up your mind, another coach bails on his commitment to you and the school. Tubby Smith, who was beloved by your mother, bounced from Kentucky amidst pressure from crazy Kentucky boosters. If you still decide to go to Kentucky, with Donovan or another coach, you will instantly play down low. Problem is your supporting cast is terrible and that's saying something considering they still may get Jai Lucas. For those reasons, lets check Kentucky off your list.

John Beilien offered you a scholarship to stay home and play for him at West Virginia. Although you wouldn't have fit into the system, he's an excellent coach with a successful track record. Problem is Beilien is on his way to Ann Arbor to take over Tommy Amaker. Unless Jerry West becomes the coach, lets check West Virginia off your list.

Let's group Wake Forest and Virginia together. Both have places for you down low right away but let's face it, even if Virginia keeps Sean Singletary, the rest of the supporting cast is meager at best with the departure of JR Reynolds. As for Wake, they have some promising players but they are still a few years away. Plus, if you're going to head to the ACC, why go to Virginia and Wake when you can go to Duke and play for a hall of fame coach, play on a historic court, and be on national television every single game until your reputation catapults you to the pros. For those reasons, lets check Virginia and Wake off your list.

That leaves the two front runners: Duke and Florida. Florida is the sexy pick right now. They are coming off two national championships in a row. They have the hot, young coach and with an expected exodus, you will play right away. Problem is that they may not have the hot, young coach. Donovan refused to answer questions on his future or Kentucky. Personally, I don't think he's going to Kentucky. However, I can see him bolting to the Orlando Magic after they fire Brian Hill and offer him more money than he'll ever know what to do with. Think about it, it's a better move for him than Kentucky. He won't win a 3rd consecutive title at Florida next year and he'll be able to keep his family in Florida where he just built a Catholic School in the area. For these reasons and uncertainties, if you had to make your decision today, lets check Florida off your list.

Oh, what a coincidence, this only leaves Duke. There is no need to worry about coach stability at Duke. Coach K has entertained his last offer from the pros. Although they struggled at times last year, you would be joining 8 fellow McDonald's All-Americans. Go to Duke and you will play with the greatest coach of this ERA in front of a national audience every single night. What a perfect forum for you to showcase your immense ability for NBA scouts. Go to Duke and you will play on the most historic court of all-time. Go to Duke and despite being in the presence of 8 McDonald's All-Americans, you will immediately step into the 5 spot at Duke. You, plus a strong supporting cast, would equal a very good chance at making Final 4's and winning national championships. To me, it's a no-brainer. It should only be between two teams and if you want stability, pack your bags for Durham.

Sincerely,

BRB