The New Rio Trio - Biggest Move of the 2017 Summer May Have Just Happened in the Winter of 2016

It’s easy to tell why every major shoe brand and program in the Mid-Atlantic area and beyond have had their eye on and have vigorously chased New Jersey’s 2021 Trey Patterson – at a legit 6’8 with phenomenal length and wingspan, Patterson is one of the most gifted and talented players in the country. 

In speaking to a source close to the situation on the condition of anonymity; it was stated that “…when looking at the picture in its entirety; a winning program and team that is focused on the development of its players on the court and the advocacy of them off the court combined with a plethora of resources, facilities, and experience it was a no-brainer …all things pointed to Team Rio.”

Trey Patterson is officially taking his talents to the new kings of NJ Team Rio National.  Patterson is ranked No. 2 in the nation by p2bball.com, #1 by bballspotlight.com and top 3 by every knowledgeable middle school ranking service in the country. Patterson who recently attended the Pango’s East Invitational with many of the top freshman and sophomores in the country and was named to the Top 30 Cream of the Corp game for the top participants in the camp making him the only non-high school player invited but the only one in the All-Star game portion of the camp.

This is another occasion where the detractors of Middle School rankings do not have a leg to stand on.  Trey is already drawing comparisons in his play to both Chris Bosh and Anthony Davis as a stretch-4 and a tad of Draymond Green sprinkled in due to his ability to handle the rock and defend a number of positions.  He will undoubtedly open up as one of the top players in the country on ESPN, Rivals, and Scouts without question.

Alex Klatsky

Patterson, who will bypass the 15u level this summer to join show stoppers Scottie Lewis, Bryan Antoine, and Alex Klatsky at the 16U level along with possibly the best player no one knows about Greg Odens younger brother 6’10 Joe Jones III and 6’9 power big Tariq Ingraham amongst others; chose Team Rio 2019 over storied programs such as Sports U Team IZOD,  NY Rens, NY Lighting, and NY powerhouse PSA Cardinals.   

The loss of Patterson to Team Rio shakes the foundation of Team IZOD as it would any program; but from a brand perspective UA is elated that the likely future pro will remain under the UA umbrella.  It will be the responsibility of the UA team to understand the value of the individual relationship and act accordingly.

What makes this relationship extremely exciting nationally for the basketball fans is that this move may  potentially makes Team Rio the best 16U team in the country next year regardless of brand – they are already one of the most exciting teams to watch and adding Patterson to a lineup of Lewis and Antoine make the proposition even sexier. Already one of the most visible tandem’s the now Rio Trio is sure to attract every high major court side to see them go to work.

Patterson should fit right in with his ability to guard all five positions on the court on defense, while, on offense, you can isolate him on defenders and allow him to take them to the hoop off of the dribble.  At the same time Patterson has long been capable of knocking down the shot from distance and with the added core strength and athleticism that range is endless.  Patterson is as versatile a guy as there is in the country. He has continued to get more and more comfortable with perimeter skills, but he hasn’t gotten away from what he can do as a court spacing shooter; even with such a high floor his ceiling still remains simply incredible.

Team Rio coaches are not commenting on their other major recruits at this time; but be prepared for another major announcement in the coming weeks as a top 2020 players name is in the mix; a move that potentially could push this team and program into a stratosphere rarely seen at such a competitive level – looks like Team Rio may be turning the  UA shoe circuit into the Rio Show Circuit. 

Further validating the excitement of this new marriage made in hoops heaven; with spring a still a few months away Team Rio teammates Alex Klatsky, Scottie Lewis, Bryan Antoine, and its newest and tallest addition Trey Patterson will spend some time bonding in Manhattan tonight in basketballs mecca Madison Square Garden as guest of Kansas, Duke, and Kentucky respectively (Michigan St. hasn’t formally become involved to date) at the State Farms Champions Classic tournament which will be aired live on ESPN. The three aforementioned schools have already (minus MSU) shown early interest in the young stars.