Chasity Patterson is a defensive disruptor. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Senior Chasity Patterson is on the Naismith Women’s Defensive Player of the Year Watch List and has led the nation in steals much of the season. She had 10 steals against Wofford earlier this season, something only one other UK player had ever done.
Alabama coach Kristy Curry appreciates all the things Patterson can do to help Kentucky win and did against her team last week.
“She is shooting 80 percent from free throw and wants the ball in critical moments,” Curry said. “She is extremely quick, can hit a 3, and is just a good all-around good point guard who does a nice job leading her team.
“She is probably one of the best defensive players in the SEC. Her energy on the ball is outstanding.”
Patterson was the top-rated point guard in the 2017 recruiting class who picked Texas but then transferred to UK. She was the SEC Sixth Player of the Year last season when she averaged 11.5 points per game.
“Chasity is steady. We know what we’re going to get from her. Her ability to score, she can score at all three levels, she’s an energizer bunny, she can play for long periods of time, and she is going to get a steal or two every game. That is just what she does,” Kentucky coach Kyra Elzy said.
“Her ability to locate the ball and make steals and her speed are just all-natural killer instincts. I like what Chasity is bringing to the table, she is playing extremely confident, and we need her to continue to do that.”
Patterson is averaging 12.6 points, 3.9 steals, 3.2 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game and shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 81.6 percent at the foul line for UK.
The Cats are 13-5 overall and now 6-4 in SEC play after a disappointing loss at Ole Miss going into Thursday’s home game with Tennessee, a team that pounded UK 70-53 on Jan. 24.
