2 weeks Ago By Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
Apr. 16—Southern California brothers Kevin Patton Jr. and Kallai Patton earlier this week committed to play for Eric Olen and the UNM Lobos.
The two were at USC this past season — Kevin a 6-foot-8 sophomore wing averaged 3.1 points, 1.2 rebounds and 8.
1 minutes in 27 games and Kallai a 6-4 guard who sat out as a redshirt.Kevin has two seasons of playing eligibility left after also having made the West Coast Conference All-Freshman Team with the University of San Diego two seasons ago. Kallai has four seasons of playing eligibility remaining.
The Journal reached out to the brothers and asked each five questions to give Lobo fans some insight about who they are:5 questions with Kevin Patton Jr.JOURNAL: Why did you choose to play for Coach Eric Olen and the Lobos?KEVIN: "I believe that Coach Olen and his system and style of play are best for developing me for the next level and the Lobos are a great program in a great conference where we can win against good competition and get to March Madness."----JOURNAL: Were you teammates with former Lobo Tru Washington? What did he tell you about the Pit or UNM?KEVIN: "Yeah I was briefly teammates with Tru during Section 7 (basketball tournament in Arizona) three years ago but I'd known him just from playing against each other for multiple years prior.
He definitely told me a lot about UNM, including mentioning that the Pit had the best and loudest fans you'll see and hear, which is definitely something I'm looking forward to experiencing. He also told me a lot about the campus and just the ways of life living in Albuquerque."----JOURNAL: What's one thing about your brother's game you think he's best at?KEVIN: "I think my brother Kallai's best part of his game is his athleticism and all the ways he's able to consistently showcase it.
We're both great athletes, but he's always had that speed and quick-twitch that enable him to make plays on both sides of the ball that otherwise wouldn't be possible."----JOURNAL: What type of player are Lobo fans going to see when you get to Albuquerque?KEVIN: "The type of player that Lobo fans can be excited to see is a player that impacts the game in a number of ways all over the court. I'm also a player that will do whatever it takes to win and is unselfish and is capable of a shocking highlight-reel worthy play at any given moment!"----JOURNAL: What's one non-basketball thing you and your brother are real competitive at? And who is better?KEVIN: "Me and Kallai are both pretty competitive with our music.
We both listen to a lot of music every day and oftentimes find ourselves competing to see whose playlist is better and whose overall music taste is more enjoyable. I think I have him edged out on that one."5 questions with Kallai PattonJOURNAL: Why did you choose to play for Coach Eric Olen and the Lobos?KALLAI: "I chose to play for the Lobos because it was a school that took a chance on me and it's going to let me develop as a player and a person.
I've heard a lot of great things about Coach Olen and the staff, so I'm excited to see what's in the works for this season."----JOURNAL: Did you know much about UNM, New Mexico or the Pit before you committed?KALLAI: "I didn't know that much about UNM. I knew the (Pit) was rowdy and one of the best places to play in.
I talked to Tru (Washington) and Jovan (Milicevic) who were on the team last year and who I've known for years and they gave me the run-down on how great this atmosphere really is."----JOURNAL: What's one thing about your brother's game you think he's best at?KALLAI: "I feel like his best ability is probably his instinctiveness and all-around feel for the game. I feel like his instincts when it comes to getting a block, steal, going to catch a lob, making the right read in a split second is something you can't teach.
I feel like you have it or you don't."----JOURNAL: What type of player are Lobo fans going to see when you get to Albuquerque?KALLAI: "Lobo fans are getting to a high flyer, all-around athlete. Someone who cares about winning and overall just impacting a basketball game.
"----JOURNAL: What's one non-basketball thing you and your brother are real competitive at? And who is better?KALLAI: "I think when it's time to go somewhere on a nice fit (outfit), we try to see who (has) the better fit on. It's not crazy competitive, but it kinda is a competition. I don't know who wins, though.
I think it's kind of even in my eye.".
