Basketball played a part in Aziza Patterson’s college decision, but it was hardly the only aspect of it.
“I was also looking into academics,” the Manhattan Center star senior said.
She heard all about Wagner College’s from her sister, Nyoto, who is a senior for the Seahawks. The Staten Island school is known to be strong with business and that’s exactly what Patterson wants to study. That sealed the deal and this week, Patterson, who also received interest from West Virginia, Seton Hall and Manhattan College, committed to Wagner.
“I’ll feel safe there,” Patterson said. “It’s a small school. It’s everything you look for in a school.
The size of the school – Wagner has just 2,400 students – is also what attracted her. The class sizes are small and Patterson wanted to go somewhere where she could have 1-on-1 relationships with the professors.
“If you need help, the teachers are there,” she said.
Patterson averaged 10 points and 4.9 assists per game this season for the Lady Rams. She spent the season adjusting to the point guard slot after playing shooting guard alongside China Crosby, who now plays at Virginia, since she was in sixth grade. Patterson led Manhattan Center to the PSAL Class AA semifinals and almost willed the Lady Rams to the Garden with 29 points against rival John F. Kennedy.
“It was a matter of Aziza taking on a different role,” Manhattan Center coach Jaywana Bradley said. “She had to do everything for us – pass, lead, score. … It finally came together for her [at the end of the season].”
Her outburst in the semis prompted Kennedy coach O’Neil Glenn to proclaim that Patterson was the best player on the court. Many coaches felt she was the best player who attended the PSAL Girls Basketball Showcase last month also. Patterson also scored 13 points for Manhattan in a 73-64 loss to Brooklyn in the Wheelchair Charities HS Basketball Classic final Wednesday night at Long Island University. Her 3-pointer with seven seconds left got her team within single digits.
Bradley says Patterson has matured so much over the years on and off the court. Her attitude and game have greatly improved. There’s no doubt that she has emerged as something more than just Crosby’s sidekick.
“Aziza has definitely come a long way – the only thing that hasn’t happened is her voice hasn’t deepened,” the coach joked.
It isn’t all about hoops though. Otherwise she might have ended up going to another school. Patterson said her mother always told her growing up that she should be a businesswoman or a lawyer.
“I’m a good bargainer,” she said with a laugh. “I have a way with words.”
She’s not too bad with a basketball either. And she has goals for the court at Wagner, too.
“I’m looking at be an all-conference player in the NEC,” Patterson said.