Kentucky Star Freshman Done for the Year

As if the start of the year wasn't bad enough for the Kentucky Wildcats, the end of the season has brought more bad news: Patrick Patterson will be out for the rest of the season.

As of yet, the circumstances of the injury are not known, but the simple fact remains that 16.4 points per game and 7.7 rebounds per game will be missing from Kentucky's rotation.

Before the whole world panics, let us remember that the Wildcats still have Joe Crawford and Ramel Bradley workin' it on the perimeter. Opposing defenses will still have their hands full with those two guys.

The big question mark for Kentucky is in the paint. Who can fill Patterson's shoes?  If opposing defenses can seal off the perimeter, who will be able to get the job done down low?

One player who will need to step up his game is sophomore Perry Stevenson. He has definitely shown signs of promise, and his minutes have increased as a result. His best game came against Tennessee with 14 points seven boards and five blocks. Stevenson's coming off a night of five rebounds and six blocked shots against Ole Miss. The sophomore has the length and quickness to lock it down on defense.  He'll now have a chance to get some more touches on offense.

Another sophomore, Mark Coury, may also have a chance to step up and shine. Unlike Stevenson, his minutes have decreased as the year has progressed. He does a great job serving as a warm body who can give the starters a rest, but he hasn't produced much else since his double-double in the first game of the season against Central Arkansas. 

Two other big men will serve as wild cards in the Wildcats' stretch run. Jared Carter and Mo Williams both stand very tall; 7'2" and 6'11" to be exact. Carter has played in 11 games and Williams has played in five games. Neither player has had much time to showcase their skills. Carter has played five minutes since the New Year and Williams hasn't seen the floor at all since New Year's Eve.

Saturday's rumble with Tennessee will tell the world a lot about the Wildcats. With the loss of Patterson this game might be the one that decides Kentucky's fate regarding the NCAA tournament. If they're able to play the Volunteers tough in Knoxville, their hopes will remain alive. But if the committee sees a game reminiscent of the Wildcats' meltdown against Vanderbilt, winning 11 of 13 to end the season may not be enough to keep the bubble from bursting.