Despite a new head coach and a promising recruiting class coming in, sophomore forward Patrick Patterson had decided to enter the NBA Draft.

Patterson announced his decision to the media before practice Tuesday. He will throw his name in the hat and work out for NBA teams, but he will not hire an agent. The decision not to hire an agent leaves the door open for Patterson to return to UK should he withdraw his name from the draft by June 15.

Patterson said the decision was his, but his family and UK head coach John Calipari both supported the decision. Patterson also said that if he stays another year under Calipari, he knows he could improve his overall skill set.

“I know a year under Coach Calipari would help a lot,” Patterson said.

Patterson also said that NBA teams’ trend of drafting younger players over upperclassmen played into his decision.

“The longer you stay in college, the less likley you’ll be drafted,” Patterson said.