David Patten Has Mission Planned

David Patten, a skilled 6-8, 205 pound small forward from El Dorado H.S. in Placentia, Calif., told us he is likely going to take a mission before he heads off to college.

"I would be a 21 year old freshman by the time I go to college," Patten told us. "So the schools recruiting me have to be open to this idea."

Among the schools currently on David's list are Colorado, Tulane, Pepperdine, and Utah. He is also taking in homes with Colorado, Tulane, Utah, St. Mary's, and UCSB.

"I think I made some improvements this summer in my game," Patten said. "I think I shot the ball better and was much better defensively." Patten is a player who turned many heads this summer with his fine overall play.

Despite his tall frame, Patten is being heavily recruited for his ability to do things facing the basket. He has excellent mobility, decent quickness and the ability to put the floor on the deck and shoot it from the perimeter.

At the Best of the Summer last week, Patten told us he had been offered scholarships by Colorado and Tulane, and also had significant interest from UMass, Pittsburgh, Oregon State, Southern California, Utah, Hawaii, Texas El Paso, Pepperdine and St. Mary's (CA).

Patten averaged 17 points, eight rebounds, four assists, 2.5 steals and four blocks per game as a junior at El Dorado.

He said he has a 2.7 GPA and scored an 1140 on the SAT.

Patten attended the strong first session of the Eastern Invitational Basketball Camp, where he made the top all-star game for his fine play. He then hit the travel circuit with the L.A. Rockfish squad, making appearances at the Three Stripes Tournament in Long Island, the adidas Big Time in Las Vegas and the Best of the Summer in Los Angeles.

The Insiders Report will keep you posted on Patten's recruitment in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.