Patton, like Williams, was largely unheralded entering the season. He took a redshirt last season during his first year on campus, and came into this season as a first-year sophomore without much in regards to expectations. The 19-year-old has since emerged as one of Creighton’s best players, while becoming one of college basketball’s most impressive physical forces on the interior, establishing himself as a legitimate fixture in the mid-to-late lottery conversation.
At 6-11, Patton doesn’t necessarily have any overly long wingspan, but boasts a lanky overall frame and impressive leaping ability that allows him to play above the rim in awe-inspiring fashion. His offensive game is still a work in progress in most circumstances, but he’s arguably the draft’s most impressive rim-runner. He gets off his feet far more effortlessly than most players of his size, and showcases impressive mobility in setting screens and making quick cuts to the rim.
In terms of entertaining alley-oops, Patton also tops that list, to boot.
What has set Patton’s development apart, though, is the improvements he has made elsewhere as the season has dragged on. He’s becoming an effective scorer with his back to the back, using jump hooks and an improved arsenal of moves to carve out space, while displaying soft touch around the rim. He can get rushed at times still, which leads to the occasional errant shot off the low block, but the basics are already in place. As he continues to round that out, he should become a legitimate isolation threat in some capacity.
Previous Ranking: 10
He’s also showcasing a decent handle on his jump shot, which is an immense advantage for players of his stature. He’s hitting on 36.7 percent of his 2-point jumpers, and has hit a solid chunk (58.3 percent) of the few threes he has attempted (just 0.4 attempts per game). He likely won’t be stroking it from deep his first year in the NBA, but as his jumper trends upwards, his stock will continue to do the same.
Patton’s athleticism also sets up some promising potential on the defensive end. He fills a lot of space around the basket and is more than capable of making strong rotations to block shots. He’s still improving his feel and consistency on that side of the basketball, but his stature and tools alone make him a dangerous entity underneath the rim.
Patton has earned his spot here as the draft’s best center.