Michigan Wolverines
Even though the team is struggling, Coach Juwan Howard still deserves credit for his development of perimeter players. Dug McDaniel is a breakout sophomore star this season, while Kobe Bufkin and Jett Howard were top-15 picks in the past NBA Draft. Plus, Patterson would be without any question, the top offensive option here. The biggest question that matters, is whether or not Coach Howard will be around by the time Patterson would potentially arrive.
North Carolina Tar Heels
The Tar Heels will have all of this current core gone by the time Patterson would arrive but they do have a pair of five-star wings in the 2024 class committed, including top-5 Ian Jackson. If neither are clear “one and done” future pros but are still key pieces for UNC, that could create some issues. But considering how much talent the program is set to replace, Coach Hubert Davis can find a way to make the minutes work.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Coach Chris Holtmann also has had some sneaky success with churning out future NBA players. Brice Sensabaugh was a first-round pick last season, while Roddy Gayle Jr. is looking like the next breakout star, coming off a career-high 32-point performance against West Virginia.
Gayle is likely going pro either this or next year, creating an easy pathway for Patterson to come in and have a big role. And being the “hometown” option among the eight, that should also be a compelling selling point for the five-star target. As long as the coach isn’t anywhere near the hot seat, Ohio State could have a real shot in this recruitment.