Tom Patterson

Tommie J. Patterson (October 15, 1948 – February 1982) was an American professional basketball forward who played two seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Baltimore/Capital Bullets (1972–74). He attended Ouachita Baptist University, leaving college after his freshman season to enroll in the US Army for three years, before returning to Ouchita Baptist. Patterson was selected by the Bullets in the second round of the 1972 NBA draft as the 25th overall selection.

Career Born in Midland, Texas, Patterson graduated from Lincoln High School in Camden, Arkansas in 1966. He enrolled at nearby Ouachita Baptist University, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas in the fall of 1966, playing basketball for Coach Bill Vining. Patterson was a classmate of NFL All-Pro Cliff Harris at Ouachita Baptist, then an NAIA college. However, after his freshman year, Patterson joined the U.S. Army, where he subsequently served three years, including one year of duty in Vietnam. When he finished his service with the US Army, Patterson returned to Ouachita Baptist in the fall of 1970 and rejoined the basketball team.

Returning to Ouachita Baptist in 1970, Patterson averaged 20.5 points and 12.5 rebounds in 1970-1971 under Coach Vining. In 1971–1972, Patterson averaged 25.3 points and 14.7 rebounds as Ouachita Baptist advanced to the second round of the 1972 NAIA men's basketball tournament. For his college career he averaged 23.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, shooting 52.2% from the field and 73.5% from the foul line.

In his rookie season with the Bullets, Patterson averaged 2.4 points and 1.0 rebounds, averaging four minutes in 29 games. He played under Coach Gene Shue and alongside Hall of Fame inductees Wes Unseld and Elvin Hayes. The Bullets won the Central Division with a record of 52-30 and were eliminated by the eventual NBA Champion New York Knicks in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Patterson played sparingly in the playoffs.

Personal Patterson died in February 1982, at age 33.

Career statistics

NBA Source

Regular season Year Team GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG

Playoffs Year Team GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG PPG

Honors Patterson was inducted into the Ouachita Baptist University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015. His daughter Kelana was present to represent Patterson for his induction.