Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
“I need you to follow up on a story for me.”
I fumble for a pen. Matt Jones always calls me right as I am doing something and he has to leave a message. It literally happens every time. It is comical. It is kind of our thing now. I’m returning his call.
“Someone called with information about his daughter and Patrick Patterson,” Matt says. “I think it will make for a good story. Can I text you his phone number? Maybe you can follow up on it for one of your posts.”
That is how this all started. I got the text message and called a man named Robbie Muncie.
“Hey! Howya doin?” Robbie excitedly yells into the phone. “You know that picture that is on KSR? That one with Patrick and a little blonde girl? That is my daughter. Patrick’s mom said this would make a good story.”
“Very cool,” I reply. “Can we meet up for an interview?”
“You going to the game Saturday? We’ll be there. You can meet Patrick’s family and talk to them, too.”
Well, I wasn’t planning on attending, but I sure as heck will now.
*****
We met Patrick Patterson for the first time when our daughter, Lexi, was only two years old. It was December 7, 2007, and Kentucky had just played North Carolina at Rupp Arena. Krissy (my wife), Lexie, and I stayed after the game to get Patrick’s autograph. As the crowd dwindled and the Rupp Arena crew began their normal clean up, I started up a conversation with two very nice people. We told them that Patrick was our favorite player and that we loved watching him play. At that moment a security guard informed us that no players would be coming out to sign autographs and that we needed to leave. Krissy collected Lexi and started to follow a security guard to the exit when we heard a deep voice behind us, “They’re with us.” The people we were talking to were Buster and Tywanna Patterson. Buster directed us to the floor and we all waited for Patrick. Patrick finally came out, signed some autographs, and talked with us like we were old friends. We were surprised at how nice the Pattersons were. Here we were, a family of strangers, and they welcomed us into their inner circle. A friendship was born that day.
*****
I’m hustling to Rupp Arena. I am responsible for the KSR content on this day and I have a schedule all lined out. I can’t watch the game, post a proper summary, and meet the Muncies without some sort of crazy scientist and a tricked out DeLorean, but I’m going to try. I watch the second half from an internet accessbile venue close to downtown Lexington. I write my summary, post it on KSR, and book it toward the center. I now have approximately 90 minutes before I need to make another post and update the site. As I am turning on to Patterson Street (eerily appropriate) to park, my cell phone rings. It is Robbie.
“You almost here? We will wait for you in Section 22.”
I double-time it down the sidewalk. I am a trout swimming upstream. Hoards of blue clad fans are pouring out of the maw of Rupp Arena. I finally make it to Section 22 and meet the Muncies.
*****
Our daughter, Lexi, is bonkers over Patrick. In March last year, she asked her mom why everybody was wearing green. When Krissy told her it was Saint Patrick’s Day, Lexi replied, “Patrick Patterson Day?” If you randomly ask Lexi who her favorite player is, she will instantly reply “Patrick Patterson” with a big smile. She knows he is number 54 and can tell you that his parents are Buster and Tywanna. During the Blue/White Game this year, Lexi was interviewed by Alan Cutler and proudly told him about her favorite Wildcat. There are three pictures of Patrick above her changing table and one of them shows Patrick yelling. Lexie likes to say that picture is of Patrick yelling for Lexi.
*****
I’m out of breath as I introduce myself to Robbie, Krissy, and Lexi. Robbie is excited and full of energy. A smile is always on his face. He recounts his stories to me about how he met the Pattersons and the relationship that Patrick has developed with his daughter. He says he isn’t seeking any type of publicity for himself and just wants people to know how nice the Pattersons are. He hopes that by telling this story, people will realize how lucky the University of Kentucky is to have the Pattersons involved with the program. “They are just good people,” he says. This is the only time he stops smiling. He looks me right in the eye when he says this. Robbie wants me to understand how much these people mean to him. I get it and meet his gaze with a nod.
“Come on over here and meet Buster,” Robbie proclaims as his smile quickly returns.
Buster Patterson is lounging in the second row with a bemused look on his face. The look is one of a proud father that just watched his son tear it up for one of the best D1 programs of all time. We should all be so lucky. He is extremely nice and courteous. I mention how I think that Orton’s no-look pass to Patterson for a thunderous dunk should make ESPN’s top plays and he gets a far off look in his eyes.
“Danny and Patrick just play so well together.”
This is a man that is clearly enjoying the moment.
*****
Last summer, my mother had cancer. She was going through a pretty hard time and was pretty down in general. The family and I were at the Joe Craft Center watching an open practice. After the practice, we were hanging around outside, hoping to get a glimpse of the players as they walked back to Wildcat Lodge. Buster and Tywanna Patterson walked up and started talking to us. As we were talking, my phone rang. It was my mom. I quickly explained that I had to take the call because my mom had cancer and was doing poorly. Tywanna asked if she could speak to my mom. She took the phone and offered my mother words of encouragement and wished my mother the best. When she handed back the phone, my mom was ecstatic.
“Patrick Patterson’s mom just talked to me? Unbelieveable!”
I know that it made my mom’s day and it was something Tywanna didn’t have to do. She just did it. Tywanna doesn’t know I am telling you about this. She thinks this story is all about Patrick, but it is more than that. They are good people.
*****
Tywanna Patterson is holding court. She is surrounded by different people and she has them all smiling and laughing. I look for an opportunity to jump in and introduce myself. A break in the conversation. A pause. Anything. It never happens. As soon as two people leave, three more take their place. Tywanna sees someone she recognizes. It is a young man with shaggy blonde hair and a West Virginia high school basketball jersey. He was schoolmates with Patrick.
“Oh HEY!” exclaims Mrs. Patterson, “You all stick around, we need to talk to you when everybody leaves.”
She is the sun and people are comets that swing in orbit around her. She is a joy to watch and her smile is infectious. I find a seat behind Buster and start writing down notes.
“C’mon Chris!” Robbie yells as he waves toward me. The Pattersons have migrated to the basketball court and Robbie has collected his family beside the security personnel. I gather my things and join the Muncies who fall in behind the Pattersons. Along the way to the locker room, Lexie high fives every state trooper and security guard she passes. Rather than look annoyed, each authority figure holds out his hand in gleeful anticipation of the little girl skipping toward him. Lexi is a joy to watch and her smile is infectious. It isn’t hard to imagine what Patrick sees in her.
*****
On May 6, 2008, I received a text from the Pattersons inviting us to Patrick’s press conference. We couldn’t believe that a regular family from Irvine, Kentucky would be special guests at such a cool event. I collected Lexi and made my way to the Lexington. Mrs. Patterson escorted us to the corner of a room full of reporters and tv cameras. When Patrick entered the room, he didn’t immediately go to the main table. Patrick walks past the main table, over to us, bends down, and gives Lexi a big hug. I was floored. He high fived me and greeted a few of his other friends. The reporters and the TV cameras could wait. Patrick had to say hi to some people. He played with Lexi, hugged her a couple of times, and he told her he loved her. Our favorite basketball player was telling my daughter he loved her! While he was talking to Lexi, someone snapped the picture that made it on to KSR. Patrick used it as his Facebook picture. He really made us feel special that day.
*****
We are now standing close to the locker room. It is an amazing sight. Ramon Harris is in street clothes, holding his baby daughter. John Calipari breezes by with 3 state troopers in tow. Alan Cutler emerges from behind a curtain, fresh from the coach’s press conference, and bolts for the door. John Wall strolls out of the locker room and heads for the exit. None of these people matter. We are all waiting for Patrick.
When Patrick finally does appear, he is instantly mobbed. People pour out of hidden places. One wants a photo. One wants him to sign something. One is a principal that wants Patrick to speak to his school. Patrick handles it all with poise and class. He is gracious and kind to everyone. While people are swirling around Patrick, Daniel Orton emerges and joins the frey. They talk to everyone. Patrick finally spots Lexi. Lexi runs over and Patrick gives her an enormous bear hug.
I ask if I can get a couple of shots of everyone together. Tywanna Patterson is still a tempest of people. Laughing. Smiling. As everyone lines up, Patrick looks toward his mom and softly calls, “Tywanna.” The mother hears her son and immediately breaks off her conversation. She hurries over for the picture.
*****
When Patrick plays his last game, we will not only be losing our favorite player, but a friend. We will miss going to the games and seeing Buster and Tywanna. We will miss the high fives and the hugs. We will miss the way Buster gets Lexi to call him silly when he plays with her. We will miss Tywanna’s pom pom and Buster’s towel. We want to say thank you to the Patterson’s. It has been a blessing to meet them and we love them all. I am taking the time to tell you how special the Patterson family has been to us. They are truly special people that we will never forget.
*****
I am having the time of my life, but I need to get back and update the site. I ask Patrick if there is anything he wants to add to the story. He just shakes his head and smiles as he notices Lexi playing with his father. I wish him luck with the season and say my good byes. Robbie walks me to the exit with his ever-present smile.
“You think this is a good story? I hope so. Let me know if you need anything, just call me.”
As I reach for the door the smile fades. He looks me straight in the eye. “They are just good people”, he says.
Indeed.
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Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
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November 26th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
Does Patrick have any siblings? I’m guessing not…
November 26th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
great story! i hope one day to meet the pattersons!
November 26th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
This is the kinda stuff that needs to be on national news. Patrick and his family have been such a bright spot for this team. They will be missed next year but hopefully they can return for a game or two. I look forward to the day Pat’s jersey hangs in the rafters as it rightfully deserves to be.
November 26th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Yes, good story…
November 26th, 2009 at 8:29 pm
I’ve got an idea why a “smile is always on” Robbie’s face and it ain’t got nothin’ to do with Patrick…..
November 26th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Are we sure we didn’t nab Chris John’s from Sports Illustrated? Great story and great work, Chris!
November 26th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
#5
http://www.instantrimshot.com
November 26th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
What a great article about a wonderful family, the Patterson’s the first family of Kentucky Basketball……
November 26th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Pat and his family have been a big, big part of this team since they got here. You only ever hear good things about them, and you know his parents are also watching out for the other players. When Pat moves on to his NBA career and his parents presumably don’t come to many games/spend as much time in Lexington, we’ll all be losing out.
I know Orton is spending a lot of time around the Pattersons and one of his big reasons for coming here was to play with Pat, so I’m betting he becomes a major and vocal leader for us in the future (assuming he doesn’t also leave early). He can’t replace Pat, but it’s good to know some of that legacy will probably stay with the team when he’s gone.
We all want to make a good run this year, all the way to the end, but I can’t imagine how important it is to guys like Pat, and to Perry and Ramon and Mark, who have all been through so much. Here’s to the perfect ending of their UK careers.
November 26th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
I really hope they do a presentation for Pat at senior day. Even though he isn’t technically a senior, he is still graduating and he definitely deserves to stand on the court one last time with his family and his framed jersey.
November 26th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
This is the best read on this site I can remember. Thanks.
November 26th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Awesome story! Met Pat Patterson himself and is the best. He’s down to earth and just a nice a guy you could meet. Never met his parents but your always hearing great things about them. Going to hate it when he leaves, but will wish him the best.
November 26th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Nice read, and man Mrs. Muncie is gorgeous! Cute daughter too. And…um…football, trucks, slam dunks, beer, and…Jamal Magloire. Okay, restored my manhood.
November 26th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Johnsey - great story man. I’m sure that was a lot of work, and we appreciate it.
November 26th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
*our program, sorry
November 26th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Great story. Patrick and his parents are the best thing to happen to this program in a LONG time.
November 26th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
I hope we win the title for Patrick’s sake only. He deserves it. These are great people and we are very fortunate to have them in our Wildcat family.
November 26th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Patrick and his family are an icon of what every program dreams the family of each recruit to be. Patrick is a stellar athlete a dedicated student and extremely humble human being. The Patterson’s are a blessing to come out of the last two years. I really hope UK makes a long stretch in the tourney just so the journey in his life @ UK is as beneficial to him as his presence has been to all of Big Blue Nation.
One of my family moments as a student @ UK will be a few nights ago when I was able to sing Happy Birthday to Mrs. Patterson, it felt nice to do something to a woman that has been so special to the program I dearly love.
November 26th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
10) who says he is playing his final season as a Cat??
November 26th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
#12 Notice your post did not merit a post either?
#20 He will get his degree in 3 years, and graduate this year. He will no doubt be a top 10 pick in the NBA draft. He is pre-season All American and hopefully will be one at the end of the year.
That is why he is surely playing his final season.
Great story. Great family. Hope we recruit many more families like this one.
November 26th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Pretty sure Calipari did earlier in the year. Obviously things can change (season cut short by injury or missing NCAAs again) but you’re just not being realistic if you really think he will be back.
November 26th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
What truly wonderful ambassadors the Patterson family has been for the University of Kentucky. We in the Big Blue Nation are not surprised by these feel good stories anymore as we have now come to expect them as routine for these very special people.
To Buster and Tywana, I know no better way to say how much you are loved than to say you have been an inspiration for me as a father to my son. Thank you for your graciousness and unwavering support for our beloved basketball program. We hope that you will come back “home” often.
To Patrick. Thank you so much for all that you have given and sacrificed to bring Kentucky Basketball back to the highest level. I wish you many wonderful successes in life, and hope you will come back as often as you can. You are the epitome of a Kentucky Wildcat.
Lastly, I think there could be no better nickname for Patrick than “Saint Patrick”. He is everything we can hope a Kentucky Wildcat would ever be.
November 26th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
21) and he loves being at UK too. To graduate & not have to worry about school would make his senior basketball season that much more fun. I wouldn’t bet the farm he will return, but it wouldn’t surprise me
November 26th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
22) Calipari did make a statement that it was Pattersons final season but then backed away from it later on. I’m just saying, its not 100% official he is gone …… did you expect him back for his Junior season??? I doubt ya did …….
November 26th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
And I just noticed that my other post which talked about how I am a big PPat fan and how I really like the Patterson family and I’m thankful they’re here… was deleted.
November 26th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
The pattersons truly are the first family of Kentucky Basketball right now. I love and will miss this entire family.
November 26th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Great write-up about PPat and what a classy family the Patterson’s are. Make’s me proud to be a Kentucky fan.
#12- Dude, if you’re not a Kentucky fan, stay off of the comment section of this one!
November 26th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
26) I didn’t expect him back this year, no. But he had a lot to work on if he wanted to make the draft lottery add to that the fact that he was one year away from a degree and a slew of new talent and coach coming in to help him make a deep tourney run and the incentives were there for him to return. Now after this year he will have obtained his degree that his parents have always stressed and if his perimeter game and his ballhandling continues to be respectable as it has been so far this season then the only thing he is doing by returning is risking a major injury. Not trying to be a debbie downer or anything because I would love to see him go four years but as unlikely as it was for him to return for this season, it is almost out of the question to expect him back for next year.
That being said, stranger things have happened but I am just thankful to enjoy Pat while we’ve got him.
November 26th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
OK. That does it. Move over John Pelphrey. Patrick Patterson just became my all time favorite UK basketball player.
Great Story.
November 26th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
I was on ESPN.com the other day, and some idiot was bashing Patterson because he had never played in the NCAA tourney and saying that he wasn’t that great of a player. That guy obviously looked at the world through baby blue glasses, because Pat and his family are the best thing that has happened to UK since the 98 title, hands down. He is a great ambassador for the team, both in attitude and academics, as well one of the best players to wear the Blue and White ALL TIME. It is going to be a great loss when he leaves after this year, but his contributions will never be forgotten, as well as the support his family has shown for the school!
November 26th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Hey guys. Thanks for all the positive comments. I feel I should add a couple of things:
1) Thank you to Robbie Muncie. He made this story happen.
2) People make a big deal about Calipari ‘getting it’ in regards to UK basketball. The Pattersons ‘get it’ too.
I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. Go Cats!
November 26th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
the UK athletics department NEEDS to go up to patrick and ask him if he is coming back for a 4th year. If not, they MSUT honor him on senior day. Nobody in the past 10 years has done more for the team, including prince, bogans, hayes, etc. Nobody comes close to what patrick has brought. We’re truly blessed to have had such an amazing athlete and classy guy.
November 26th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
He is truly an amazing guy.. I find myself looking up to him all the time even though the two of us are the same age… Great story!!!
November 26th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
thanks for nuking that bad comment from the previous #12 poster. Please delete my #27 post as my last portion doesn’t apply now that the original #12 post has been deleted.
November 26th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Patterson is my family’s favorite cat. I have a 5 year old daughter who loves Patterson. We were watching madness on TV and Patterson was giving some fans high fives. She looked at me and said I want him to give me a high five. We got tickets to the blue white game and after warm ups I took her down to the railing and the team was giving high fives on the other side of the walkway. When Patterson came by I yelled Patterson and he came over and gave her a high five. She was thrilled. I believe all the good things I read about Patterson’s.I would just like to say thanks to Patterson. I know he reads KSR!
November 26th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
I have Irvine roots - Miller’s Creek more specifically. Not terribly germane but the reference caught my eye…
November 26th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
Great job Christopher!! What a great story to be told on this Thanksgiving Day. I know Robbie personally, and he is huge UK fan and also a great person. We all want UK to win, but it is even nicer to pull for a great young man like Patrick. You can tell he is genuine, and that is a testament to Mr. & Mrs. Patterson. Great job all around.
November 26th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
I’ve been a UK fan since the Joe B. Hall days. I’m 38 mind you. Patterson has shown everything the CATS are all about and what the university should represent. Patterson is a special player and deserves his number retired. He took the high-road with the BCG train-wreck. I hope he/team have a great season and he earns all the individual honors he deserves.
P-Pat if you read please come to Pikeville for the tour after the season. My son would love to have your autograph.
Go CATS!!
November 26th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
Wow, what a great story! Great job on the writing. What wonderful families, the Patterson’s and the Muncie’s, and how gosh darn cute is Lexi
November 26th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
What a great read!
November 26th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Great story, what a class act the Pattersons are. Kentucky basketball is lucky to have them!!!
November 26th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Mr. and Mrs. Patterson are two of the nicest people I’ve ever met. They spent quality time with anyone and everyone who wanted to spend time with them down in Cancun, including myself. Mr. Patterson and I hung out in some of the “social elements” of the resort, and Mrs. Patterson hugged and high-fived me multiple times. Such a nice, good-hearted lady. UK nation will miss these two more than anyone could possibly know. They are as big a celebrity scene as the players themselves among the fanbase, from what I saw down in Cancun.
November 26th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Interesting that a blog run by an avowed Democrat deletes critical voices.
November 27th, 2009 at 1:12 am
Patrick Patterson has always been one of my favorites but when he announced that he was returning this season and the way he went about it secured him as my all time favorite cat and I’ve been a fan since 1975 when I saw my first game with my dad when I was 8. Here’s the article (oddly enough from Jerry Tipton) http://www.kentucky.com/kentuckysports/mensbasketball/story/792601.htm l
When I read this story about the entire Patterson family what a feel good story and even adds to a more special Thanksgiving as I myself have a 4 year old daughter and a younger one myself. Thanks to the Patterson family for showing all of us what college sports should be about !
November 27th, 2009 at 1:19 am
I’d be thrilled if my kids turn out like Patrick one day.
November 27th, 2009 at 1:33 am
Seriously, this was the best post I’ve seen on here in a long time, maybe ever. The Pattersons are a wonderful family and the best ambassadors to the program we could have. Pat is no only an amazing player, but sounds like an amazing person as well. What a privilege it has been to have him wear the blue & white.
November 27th, 2009 at 1:38 am
*not, not no
November 27th, 2009 at 1:55 am
Excellent story. Thanks for taking the time to put it together. That’s what we need more and more in the nations media.
Dave
November 27th, 2009 at 3:21 am
He is perfect indeed. I just absolutely love this guy!
November 27th, 2009 at 5:40 am
Great story about a great family. I’m just sorry they had to deal with Gillispie the last two years.
November 27th, 2009 at 5:53 am
if kentucky does well this year i think they need to put his jersey in the rafters.
November 27th, 2009 at 6:01 am
@ #43 Why bring politics into this? Seriously.
Go Cats! Thanks PPat and family! Y’all are great.
November 27th, 2009 at 6:51 am
What an inspirational story on Thanksgiving Day. Very well presented, CJ. Big Blue Nation is thankful that Patrick chose to come to Kentucky and that the Pattersons are such great people and wonderful ambassadors for the UK program.
November 27th, 2009 at 7:17 am
This combined with the fake gimel story puts PPat in the amazing character ranks. If all kids of his generation were as thoughtful as he we would all be in good shape for years to come. The Pattersons should be commended on their parenting skills and for their own thought for support of the University of Kentucky and its fan base. PPat is a genuinely good guy.
November 27th, 2009 at 8:10 am
I am thankful (the day after thanksgiving now) for the Pattersons and the opportunities people have had to meet them. I knew when Pat put on the blue hat and announced for UK in high school that we were getting a special player, but both on and off the court he AND his family have exceeded all expectations no matter how lofty.
Just one more reason to be proud to wear blue
GO CATS
November 27th, 2009 at 8:22 am
Great story. I think we have a Rick Reilly in training.
November 27th, 2009 at 8:27 am
43. you are a a$$hole
November 27th, 2009 at 9:24 am
[...] Kentucky Sports Radio has a Patrick Patterson/fan encounter: “When Patrick plays his last game, we will not only be losing our favorite player, but a friend. We will miss going to the games and seeing Buster and Tywanna. We will miss the high fives and the hugs.” [...]
November 27th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Blah, blah, blah, blah!
November 27th, 2009 at 10:50 am
we are very lucky to have the Patterson family in the BBN.
November 27th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Sometimes I wonder where our basketball program would be if Patrick hadn’t committed to UK. Just think how the last two seasons would have looked.
Many great athletes impact the direction of a program. But Patrick, the person, has been the stabilizing influence that has been huge in keeping this team in a (somewhat) positive trajectory through all of the turmoil.
And from what I can see, what a good person! Having such a great family just isn’t a surprise. The foundation of what Patrick is has been in the making for years.
I believe Patrick (and his family) will be as beloved by UK fans as any, -and that’s saying something.
Great Story! Thanks!
November 27th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
BigBlueDude: How, exactly, am I an asshole?
Nevermind. It’s a question that you can’t answer since you don’t know me.
But what I DO know about you is that you made a snap judgement based on no information. Congratulations.
November 27th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
I can’t wait for Patterson’s pro days to be over so he can come back and be Governor or a Senator…:)
November 27th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
61 - you showed your ass and you’re lucky it was taken down. i saw it and you’re lucky that most others didn’t.
November 27th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
^Did you get your post # right?
November 27th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
No the guy must have gotten censored again :). He has been constantly complaining that this is “homer story” and a “puff piece”. Obviously a U of L fan
my apologies to the new #61!