Vitale: Patterson must not ‘disappear’

On a teleconference Wednesday, ESPN analyst Dick Vitale called Kentucky big man Patrick Patterson a prime candidate for national player of the year.

“Patterson, without a doubt, will be a star,” Vitale said.

But, Vitale added, Patterson must be more assertive to get the most out of himself and for Kentucky to maximize its potential.

“At times he has a tendency to disappear a little bit and not really get involved in the action,” Vitale said.

Vitale noted that UK Coach John Calipari chided Patterson for only taking seven shots in the exhibition game against Campbellsville.

“No way that kid should take seven shots,” Vitale said. “He has to get his 14 or 15.  He has to make himself available.”