Those who figured Colorado basketball coach Ricardo Patton would find it difficult, if not impossible, to sign recruits in November might be thrice proved wrong.
Aurora Central senior swingman Stephen Franklin confirmed Wednesday he will sign a national letter of intent with the Buffaloes during the Nov. 8-15 early signing period despite the continued uncertainty over Patton’s future. Franklin gave an oral commitment to CU in May but indicated he might wait until the spring signing period.
The 6-foot-5 Franklin joined 6-4 Levi Knutson, a sharp-shooting guard at Arapahoe, and 7-foot center Caleb Patterson of Ringwood, Okla., who previously announced they will sign early with Colorado.
Franklin averaged 18 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 4.8 steals as a junior and often is regarded as the most talented senior in the state. Franklin said he thought about the fact Patton’s current three-year contract is due to expire in the spring and the possibility he never might play for the coach who recruited him.
“Whatever happens, happens. I’m not worried about it,” Franklin said. “It’s a great school. My family can see me play. And I’m comfortable with the environment.”
NCAA rules prohibit Patton from commenting about recruits. But in general terms, Patton said he took a different tact this year in his recruiting strategy.
“The question certainly comes up about my future,” Patton said. “I just try to be honest about it. Kids can’t make a decision in the traditional way. They have to make it based on the University of Colorado and its academics and campus. They can’t base their decision on who the coach might be.”
Patterson, who averaged 17.3 points, 13.8 rebounds and 6 blocks per game as a junior, might be the sleeper of the trio but has solid potential. Patterson is a good athlete who can get up and down the court, has shooting range to the 3-point line, can pass the ball and has terrific hands, Ringwood coach Mike Thompson said.
“I think Colorado is getting a steal,” Thompson said. “The only reason Caleb didn’t get more interest is because he plays at a small school. There’s no telling what his upside is going to be.”
Ringwood, in rural northwest Oklahoma, has a population of about 500. Ringwood High School has 92 students enrolled.
Patterson picked CU over Rice. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State showed early interest, but both in-state schools went through coaching changes and did not maintain contact.
“Caleb really wanted to play in the Big 12,” Thompson said. “Colorado was in on him early. And I told him this is like a business – there’s never a guarantee that a coach or a boss will be there for a long time after you get there.”
Patterson hadn’t set foot in the state of Colorado until his recruiting visit in September.
“I liked everything about it,” Patterson said. “The mountains above Boulder are beautiful. It was a little scary when we drove back down, though.”
Knutson averaged 18.3 points as a junior and improved his stock with strong performances in summer AAU tournaments. He picked Colorado over Air Force.
“CU is a great school and it’s the Big 12,” Knutson said, “so the positives outweigh any uncertainly about the coaching situation. I really like Coach Patton, too. So if he keeps his job, that will be great.”
Tom Kensler can be reached at 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com.
