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.”

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.
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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.
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