6-foot-1 Jalen Patterson possesses plus basketball skills--the ability to score, pass out assists, rebound and lead teammates--but his most essential talent is determining what is most needed at the moment in a game and making it happen. Yes, he averaged an abundant 14.9 points per game, 7.0 assists (tops in conference play, #4 in the state) and 4.0 rebounds during the 19-12 Las Positas College season but his capacity for awareness of timing, matchups and game score is under appreciated. The complete package he brings to the game has now earned him a full scholarship to DII Chadron State College located in Nebraska.
As Patterson succinctly explained, "I'm known as a scorer but I'll do whatever it takes to win." His overall effort this season earned him a spot on the All Coast-North Conference team.
Another strength of Patterson's is leadership. "I use a combination of being vocal but also leading by example. It's important to learn all about a teammate off the court."
Deciding on Chadron
The Chadron State staff conducted a virtual visit with Patterson and "I thought it was a perfect fit," thus explaining the primary factor in his college decision. Patterson made the choice to accept a scholarship around the end of May. What's coincidental but still interesting is that Nick Hilton is an assistant coach at Chadron and led Patterson's recruitment effort. He previously assisted at College of San Mateo and at his alma mater, Jesuit High in Sacramento, so he has familiarity with the Bay Area and northern California. Hilton graduated from Fresno City College and then Bellevue University, also in Nebraska.
As a heralded high school star at Liberty Ranch High in Galt, Patterson traveled to Arizona Western College in Yuma for his freshman year. COVID shut down his freshman year as did a torn ACL. When the school term ended after his sophomore year, Patterson returned home and sought out an area regional community college. He selected Coach James Giacomazzi and Las Positas College, about 60 miles southwest of Galt. Patterson blossomed during the 22-23 season, benefiting from a tight relationship with Giacomazzi. "James and I have a good relationship."
Patterson cited the late Kobe Bryant, 6-foot-1 Trae Young (a star guard with the NBA Atlanta Hawks) and 6-foot-9 Phil Ricci, a Galt native who is currently an assistant coach with the Stockton Kings of the NBA G League, as important basketball influences in his life.
Asked to name his best hoops moments to date, Patterson offered "this year against Yuba College when we felt disrespected as the 13th seed versus the fourth seed" in the CCCAA Northern California Regional Playoffs. A 45-39 second half led to a 79-76 victory at Yuba and Patterson contributed 12 points and 10 assists. His second choice? "I scored 34 points, going 10-11 from the three-point line as a freshman in high school in the section playoffs. I missed my first attempt then made 10 straight."
Patterson offered thanks to many for help during his basketball journey. "For sure my Dad, my Mom and my sisters, Coach Giacomazzi, the Arizona Western coaching staff and Liberty High Coach Josh Williams and Liberty High Coach Brian Chavez."
He's looking to major in business management "so I can run my own business." Ideally, that would involve an athletic complex of some sort.
Moving from scorching temperatures in Arizona to freezing winters in Nebraska, Patterson will be adding multiple winter clothing items to his current wardrobe but his will to succeed whatever the cost isn't changing. Chadron State basketball fans will soon bear witness to his tenacity.
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