Indiana Basketball: IU target Trey Patterson commits to Villanova

Indiana Basketball has missed out on top-40 recruit Trey Patterson.

Trey Patterson, a top-40 recruit native to New Jersey, announced his commitment on Thursday, June 18th, naming Villanova as his destination. This decision comes three days after announcing his top three schools. Indiana was alongside Villanova and Florida in that shortlist.

While there was some slight optimism he may become a Hoosier, most signs indicated Patterson would commit to Villanova. Although it isn’t a perfect predictor, the 247 Sports Crystal Ball pinned the New Jersey native as a 100% Villanova lean. Mike Pegram of 247 Sports’ Indiana page, peegs.com, even pinned Patterson as a Wildcat — making him a perfect 9/9 on predictions (in other words, a pretty reliable source). Additionally, 247 Sports head writer, Brian Snow, and head scout, Jerry Meyer, both picked Patterson to Nova.

This overwhelming evidence is also backed by the fact that Archie Miller has not been as aggressive in recruiting Patterson as some other recruits in the class of 2021 — namely Trey Kaufman and Aminu Muhammed. Miller doesn’t exactly hide his priorities; it is very easy to see who he desperately wants. Patterson was not in that category.

If this can even be considered a chink in the armor for Miller, then it is a microscopic dent at best. From what we’ve seen over the past few months, Miller would likely rather have scholarships open for players like Kaufman and Muhammed, both of whom are very interested in becoming Hoosiers.

Patterson may not be a Hoosier, but make no mistake about it, Archie Miller has a lot more coming in the class of 2021.