Kentucky's Patterson enters Draft

Kentucky forward Patrick Patterson is skipping his senior season and heading to the NBA.

Patterson said Friday that it's time to start a new chapter in his life following his three seasons in Lexington, which he joked felt much longer after being recruited by Tubby Smith and then playing for Billy Gillispie and John Calipari.

Patterson averaged 14.3 points and 7.4 rebounds for the Wildcats, who went 35-3 and won the Southeastern Conference regular season and tournament titles. He considered turning professional following his sophomore year, but felt he needed another season to become a more complete player.

Patterson is one of five Kentucky underclassmen heading to the NBA, joining John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe and Daniel Orton.