Syracuse, N.Y. — We have embarked on a series of videos and brief stories about every one of Syracuse's scholarship basketball players.
The idea is simple: The video will show recent action of the player, with audio provided by his position coach defining the player's strengths and detailing which areas of his game still need work.
Next up:
Ron Patterson
Ron Patterson, a native of Indianapolis, Ind., spent last year at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H. He was named the New England Prep School Athletic Conference's player of the year.
Patterson now finds himself at Syracuse where he's behind Trevor Cooney and Michael Gbinije at the two-guard position. Normally, being the third player in a rotation at one position would mean limited time, but Patterson might push for playing time.
Patterson seems to bounce as he goes through drills during the Syracuse basketball team's practices. Patterson's combination of athleticism and energy give the 6-foot-3 guard the look of a 6-foot-3 Energizer Bunny.
Syracuse assistant Gerry McNamara raves about Patterson's defense, which is aided by a 6-foot-10 wingspan. McNamara also says Patterson's offensive game is better than advertised.
Strengths
1) High-energy player
2) Good passer
3) Incredible wing-span
What SU wants from him this year
1) Provide defensive spark
2) Work on ball-handling
3) Offensive energy