David Patten Update
Earlier this fall, skilled 6-8 forward David Patten of El Dorado H.S. in Placentia, Calif., appeared to be dead set on a pair of schools.
And while those two programs still stand atop his list as the winter approaches, Patten told the Insiders Report/Rivalshoops.com that he is open to listening to new suitors.
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Patten's top two schools are Utah and Pepperdine, although he does not yet have a scholarship offer in tow from the Utes. He has discussed the possibility of enrolling at Utah as a part-time student next year and do what is commonly referred to as "gray-shirting."
As a gray-shirt, Patten's NCAA clock would not start. So should he decide to attend Utah next year under that scenario (essentially like a walk-on), he could get some credits under his belt, embark on an LDS Church Mission, and return with four years of eligibility.
If Pepperdine is more to his liking, Patten said he would look to enroll and play there as soon as possible before going on an LDS mission.
But with all the talk about the co-leaders, Patten said he does not want to limit himself to just a pair.
"I am really open to whoever wants to get involved," Patten said. "So far, nobody has jumped in yet."
St. Mary's College (CA) recently called to express an interest in Patten, who kicked off the summer at the first session of the Eastern Invitational Basketball Clinic in Trenton, N.J.
A skilled big man with good wheels who is comfortable facing the basket, Patten hooked up with the L.A. Rockfish program at a trio of summer events -- the Three Stripes Classic in Long Island, the adidas Big Time Tournament in Las Vegas and the Best of the Summer Tournament in Los Angeles.