Patterson/Gillispie press conference notes

Perry Stevenson and Ramel Bradley started the conference off. They basically talked about what the loss of Patrick Patterson means and how they plan to play without him.

Perry Stevenson said they were going to be all right - just watch us.

Ramel Bradley…”Coach taught us to not depend on any one person - just play as a team.”

Patrick and coach Gillispie up next…

Coach Billy Gillispie said it’s a tough day in losing Patrick Patterson. Has not been around a freshman who’s been asked to do more.

He said they had practice earlier and the guys understand the toughness.

Gonna miss him, but it’s not the end of the world.

Patrick Patterson said he woke up Tuesday with pain and got treated right away. Did some under water treadmill work, coolers etc., started feeling better, but did hurt through the game.

Got x -rayed and they found the fracture. He was shocked, told will have to wear cast, he cried and was disappointed. Said he cried because he couldn’t play, thought would be a letdown, wanted to play and help the team.

He has total confidence players can go out there get job done.

When players told of injury…

Patterson said they were cracking jokes like…”It ain’t April Fool’s Day yet”, were shocked when they realized it wasn’t a joke.

Patrick said he’s always had problems with ankles since high school, but were little sprains, tweaks. Nothing serious, but would always ice etc.

Was asked about the NBA. Said he’s been concentrating on this year, preparing next year. Said he’s not ready for the NBA yet. He’s here to stay at UK as long as he can.

Billy Gillispie: Said it was a big blow and unfortunate. Happy they chose to get an x-ray.

Happy with the team’s moral.

Everybody has to step up, have to get the ball inside. Figure out a way to get ball inside and get to the line. Said Patterson was important to us and it will be a major test.

Will look at different strategies, but things will not drastically change.

Asked..how does it rate in terms of disappointment? Gillispie: We’re still playing, gotta move on. Patrick’s hurting for teammates.

Patterson: This is his most serious injury.

Billy Gillispie: laughing…wish they were good and deep enough to play guys 20 minutes.

Patrick was asked about Jodie Meeks’ injury.

Patrick: Said Jodie’s injury is worse than his because he actually has some kind of return/recovery date etc.

Patrick said if he hadn’t got x-ray, he would of played sunday.

Billy Gillispie: If he had Patrick last year, he would play 38-39 minutes. You play your best guys the most, you play them to win, not put in jeopardy.

Said they’re lucky that they got an x-ray done.

Still tying to figure it out, will miss Patrick in alot of different ways.

Gillispie said everyone will have to play better and will need more contributions. One player will not be able to replace him.

Anyway, here’s the basics of what went down at the conference. It went on some more, mainly dealing with Sunday’s game with Tennessee.

It’s really a shame and I feel for the young man. You know he genuinely hurts and want to play so bad. It’s takes a man to admit to crying, you just got to hand it to him. I wish for a speedy recovery, look forward to the team going out there and giving it their all.