![Mar 19, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers forward Lamar Patterson addresses the media prior to practice before the second round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports Mar 19, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers forward Lamar Patterson addresses the media prior to practice before the second round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/4cad307916a795dc61d1d6d21f858ddc7af4e39a84c88acea45e5997eea120d4.jpg)
Patterson, just like all other players, is incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to play professional basketball. Although many may see playing in Turkey as a step down, it’s far from that, and it’s just the first stage of Patterson’s development.
What the Pennsylvania native makes of it is completely up to him. If Patterson applies himself, and works harder than ever before, during his time in Turkey, there’s no reason he won’t be back in the NBA with the Hawks next season.