Patterson Joins Meeks in Testing NBA Waters

Excerpt from FoxSports.com:

Kentucky sophomore Patrick Patterson will join teammate Jodie Meeks in declaring for the NBA draft but is not hiring an agent to keep the option open to return to school.

Patterson announced the decision prior to practice on Tuesday afternoon and then said Wednesday that he wants to get a feel for his draft status before making a decision. By not signing with an agent, Patterson could return to Kentucky. The draft is June 25.

"I feel mentally that I am prepared and I am ready," Patterson said.

Patterson admitted the thought of returning next year to what could be a totally revamped team is appealing but felt he owed it to himself to check on his pro prospects.

"I'm doing this for myself and my best interests," he said. "I'm doing this for my family and we'll see how it plays out."

Meeks said Thursday he has no timetable for making a decision on whether to stay or go. Players have until June 15 to remove their name from the draft.