Ex-Bruin Andre Patterson Still Volunteering

By Bruin Basketball Report

In 2001 Andre Patterson, a 6'7 forward from Washington Prep in Los Angeles, was part of a top 5 nationally ranked incoming freshmen recruiting class at UCLA which included Dijon Thompson, Cedric Bozeman, and Michael Fey.

Patterson, who averaged 7.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and was a tough defensive presence in the paint as a sophomore, was dismissed from UCLA for academic eligibility reasons after the 2002-2003 season and transferred to Tennessee

Sitting out the 2003-04 season due to NCAA transfer rules, Patterson joined the Volunteers last year and led the team in rebounding at 6.2 per game and started in 22 of 31 games. He was named to Dick Vitale's All-Marco Polo team as one of the top Division I transfers.

This year Andre Patterson has been a valuable 6th man for unbeaten No.23 Tennessee (SEC, 6-0).

Last weekend the Volunteers defeated, either an over-rated or completely demoralized, No.7 Texas team. Patterson scored 12 points, making all his shots and free throws, grabbed 2 rebounds, and had 1 block off the bench.

Earlier in the year, he had a 21 point and 12 rebound performance to lead his team to a close win over Louisiana-Lafayette.

Through six games this year, Patterson is averaging 12 points on 56% shooting, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game.

Vol's head coach Bruce Pearl said, "Andre can be a tough match up because of his quickness inside", and he gives us "firepower off the bench".

After a tumultuous time early in his college career, Andre Patterson is finishing up on the upswing.

(BruinBasketballReport.com)

(photo credit: UTsports.com)