Andy Katz Thinks Meeks and Patterson Should Return

Today on ESPN.com, college basketball analysts Andy Katz and Chad Ford break down the NBA Draft. Katz lists Kentucky players Jodie Meeks and Patrick Patterson in the "should go back" category. Here are his comments on the Kentucky duo:

Jodie Meeks (Jr.) and Patrick Patterson (So.), Kentucky: If they both return to Kentucky, the Wildcats can be a real threat to go deep into March under John Calipari. If they stay in the draft, they are headed for an anxious draft night.

Here are Chad Ford's comments on Meeks, Patterson and Louisville's Earl Clark:

Earl Clark, F, Jr., Louisville: Clark hasn't made an official announcement, but NBA agent Dan Fegan confirmed to ESPN.com on Saturday that he has signed Clark as a client, ending Clark's eligibility. Clark is one of the most versatile players in the country. His skill-to-size ratio is off the charts. However, he still lacks a consistent perimeter shot. He reminds some scouts of Julian Wright. He has top-five talent, but his inconsistency and concerns about his work ethic could cause him to slide into the late lottery or mid-first round.

Jodie Meeks, SG, Jr., Kentucky: Meeks was a scoring machine at Kentucky this season. His speed and shooting ability really stood out. So did that 54-point performance against Tennessee. However, his lack of great size or explosive athleticism hurts his stock a bit. He's a second-rounder if he stays in the draft. More likely, he returns to Kentucky for his senior season and lets John Calipari work his magic.

Patrick Patterson, PF, So., Kentucky: Patterson is going to test the draft waters and he's probably going to get mixed signals from NBA teams. On one hand, they love his NBA body, huge hands, elite athleticism and post game. However, they are concerned about his lack of ideal size for the position (some scouts say he's closer to 6-7), his lack of a consistent jump shot, and his so-so defensive effort.

There's a pretty wide range of opinion on him. Some teams see him as a potential late lottery sleeper. Others have him firmly planted in the late first to early second round. A year with John Calipari could probably help his stock, but if he can get a team to commit to him in the lottery he's probably going to take it.

Article by Andy Katz

Article by Chad Ford