Atlanta Hawks: Lamar Patterson Heads To Turkey

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Mar 20, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Jamie Dixon high fives forward Lamar Patterson (21) during the second half of a men’s college basketball game against the Colorado Buffaloes during the second round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Maturity

Even as someone selected in the second round, Patterson was used to being the main guy, or one of the most recognizable faces on campus. Now, having turned professional, things are very different. It often takes rookies a significant amount of time to adjust to their new roles and new surroundings, as they are still only developing as both basketball players and people.

For Patterson, being sent to a foreign country to learn and develop, is the equivalent of being thrown in at the deep end. At only 22 years of age, he’s going to have to adjust quickly, and in many ways, such a sudden change can accelerate his maturation process. This will help Patterson in terms of his decision-making, both on and off the court.

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