"Bobby's a good friend. It's the NBA. Guys have to step up. I've got to step up," Patterson said after scoring nine points in a 91-78 preseason victory over Dallas Saturday night at the Bradley Center.
Patterson, 31, figures to start in Simmons' place. He's known for his defense, but Patterson has posted a double-digit scoring average in five of his eight previous NBA seasons. Patterson has played with the Lakers, Seattle, Portland and Denver. He's ecstatic to be back in the Midwest. The Ohio native played college basketball for Bob Huggins at Cincinnati.
Noel was the Bucks second round draft choice after playing four seasons at North Carolina, helping the Tar Heels win the 2005 NCAA title. Muscular and mature, Noel hopes to make a quick impression.
"Just to be a positive every time I'm out there on the court for my team. The individual accolades don't really matter to me as long as we make the playoffs." Noel scored 10 points Saturday against Dallas, one night after scoring 14 in a starting assignment in Charlotte.
Noel says that Simmons and Patterson have taught him a great deal already in training camp. "Bobby's on the sidelines trying to coach me through when I'm out on the court. Ruben is definitely showing me how to play defense by moving my feet."
Patterson likes what he sees in Noel. "He works hard. He wants to learn."
With Simmons out, Bucks coach Terry Stotts will also have the option of going with three guards in certain situations, creating more minutes for Charlie Bell and Steve Blake.
The Bucks continue their preseason with games Wednesday in Houston and Thursday in Dallas. They host Denver in the 30th annual MACC Fund game Saturday night at the Bradley Center.
Dennis Krause joined OnMilwaukee.com as a contributor on June 16, 2006. He is a two-time Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year and a regional Emmy-award winner. Dennis has been the color analyst on home games for the Milwaukee Bucks Radio Network for the last 10 years. He has also been involved with the Green Bay Packers Radio Network for 16 years and is currently the host of the "Packers Game Day" pre-game show.
Dennis started his broadcasting career as a radio air personality in the Fox Valley and Milwaukee.
He spent three years as a sportscaster at WMBD radio and television in Peoria, Illinois before joining WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee in 1987 as a weekend sports anchor. Dennis spent 16 years at Channel 4, serving as its Sports Director and 5 and 6 pm sports anchor from 1994-2003.
Dennis grew up in Hartford, Wisconsin and attended UW-Oshkosh. He lives in Thiensville with his wife and two children. He serves as the Community Resource Director for the Mequon-Thiensville School District.
