SUWANEE, GA – Getting comfortable takes some time whenever a person makes a move. For a high school teenager, it can take longer than normal.

It took Jalyn Patterson an entire basketball season to finally feel comfortable at Montverde Academy in Florida. Now, he is looking to step into a new role to fill some big shoes at the start of next season.

“This year, we had Kasey (Hill) leading us,” said Patterson of the Florida signee. “Since he is leaving we need a leader and it is supposed to come from the point guard position. That is what I am going to work on. Taking control and having the ball in my hand most of the time and being more vocal.”

The Georgia native made strides in those leadership qualities during Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions at Suwanee Sports Academy. Patterson, as a member of the Atlanta Celtics team coached by former NBA player Dion Glover, led his team to the Elite Eight against the Florida Elite. He also showed an ability to score, averaging 16 points a game for the weekend. Patterson will be with the Celtics this weekend for the Wallace Prather Classic.

Prior to Gibbons, Patterson held offers from Georgia, Georgia Tech, George Mason, Georgia Southern and Auburn. Since the tournament, Texas A&AM, Kansas State, Clemson and St. Louis have all called inquiring about the 6-foot-1 floor leader.

Not bad for a player who is stepping out of the shadows of one of the nation's top point guards.

“He has a better understanding of the game,” said Glover of Patterson. “If you watch Kasey play he has a good understanding of when to make plays and how to get others involved.”

Patterson had plenty of opportunities to watch and experience Hill’s skills firsthand. Patterson went from being the starting point guard of Milton High School’s championship team to Hill’s backup at one of the premier programs in the country. The adjustment was not easy either.

Patterson realized the academics were rigorous and the basketball was intense. He was playing with some of the best players in their respective classes.

“I had to play my role with the team that was the biggest adjustment,” Patterson said.

This was advice Glover offered him before leaving.

“I wasn’t a fan when he went there,” he said. “But while he was there I told him to learn from Kasey as much as you can because it’s going to be your show later on. I am seeing him grow up right before my eyes.”

Patterson found comfort and growth in the latter part of the season, especially in the National High School Invitational basketball championship. Montverde trailed 65-64 with 11 seconds to play after Syracuse signee Tyler Ennis nailed a 3-pointer. Hill pushed the ball up the floor, which instinctively attracted St. Benedict’s defenders, before passing the ball over to Patterson, who drilled the game winning 3-pointer to give the Eagles a dramatic 67-65 win over the New Jersey school.

“I ran the floor like we were on a regular break, then he found me in the corner,” said Patterson of his only shot in the game. “I was open and I had to knock it down to win. I shot it with some confidence and it went in.”

Willing to take a big time shot in critical situations is the making of a leader. Patterson is well on his way to carving out his own path.