LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky sophomore Patrick Patterson has been named to the early watch list for the Naismith Trophy as announced by the Atlanta Tip-Off Club on Thursday.

Patterson is one of 51 players nationally and six players within the conference placed on the watch list. The list was compiled by the Atlanta Tipoff Club’s Board of Selectors, which based its criteria on player performances from the previous year and expectations for the 2008-09 college basketball season. The watch list does not include incoming freshmen, although those student-athletes will be considered in the first vote in February, 2009. The Naismith Trophy presented by AT&T will be awarded at the 2009 NCAA Men’s Final Four in Detroit, Mich.

Patterson, who was named the co-SEC Freshman of the Year last season, currently leads the Wildcats in rebounding (9.1). The 6-9 sophomore ranks third nationally in field goal percentage (71.4) and 46th nationally rebounding while also averaging 17.6 points per game.

In February, the Naismith Trophy voting academy, comprised of leading basketball journalists, coaches and administrators from around the country, will narrow its early season list to the Top 30 players in the nation. Those players, and others who distinguish themselves throughout the season, will be eligible for the final ballot in March.