For Him, an Air Ball Is as Special as Any Winning Shot in History
Rodney Patterson took the last shot for George Washington in its 90-80 victory Sunday over Southern at the West Regional. It was the only shot he took. It missed everything--backboard, rim, the works.
“Man, back when I was playing regular, that one goes down for three points,” Patterson said.
He didn’t care.
He has cancer. Specifically, T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. It was diagnosed 18 months ago.
Patterson, 24, returned to the team--in remission--Feb. 28 for George Washington’s final home game, having sat out the entire season. A senior guard, he is the only Colonial player who was a member of the 1988-89 squad that won one game and lost 27.
“The greatest thing of all is that he’s alive and getting well,” Coach Mike Jarvis said.
The coach promised to put Patterson into a NCAA tournament game if at all possible. He intended to Friday against New Mexico State--but the player forgot to bring his jersey.
Patterson entered Sunday’s game with 17 seconds to play. He took a shot that fell well short of the hoop--then was hugged by everyone on the squad.
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