MEET JOHN PATTERSON

John has coached and/or played at almost every level of college basketball. He most recently served as the Associate Head Coach for the University of Illinois women’s basketball program. During his 5 years at Illinois he served in a number of roles and most recently was responsible for, among other things, their on-court skill development and their recruiting efforts. He has over 15 years of recruiting experience both domestically and internationally (Europe, Canada, and Australia) in both women’s and men’s basketball.

Under John’s guidance, several Fighting Illini guards etched their names into the record books, as Class of 2020 graduates Brandi Beasley, Petra Holešínská, and Courtney Joens each left their mark. Both Beasley and Holešínská continue to have notable professional careers in Europe. Beasley finished her career ranked No. 16 on the Illini's career scoring chart with 1,381 points, and finished fourth with 439 career assists, while knocking down 104 three-pointers, 10th all-time at Illinois. Holešínská finished fifth on the career three-pointer list with 161 treys.

Prior to joining the University of Illinois, John was the top assistant and lead recruiter at Washington University in St. Louis. It is currently ranked as a top 15 academic institution according to U.S. News and World Report. During his time with Washington University, he helped coach the women's team to a 72-12 record and three University Athletic Association Championships. WashU advanced to the NCAA Tournament in all three of his seasons, highlighted by back-to-back Elite Eight appearances in 2015 and 2016. The WashU coaching staff also earned UAA Coaching Staff of the Year honors during two of Patterson’s seasons (2014, 2015).

Before joining the women’s basketball staff, he served as an assistant coach for the WashU men’s basketball program from 2010-13. During Patterson's three seasons on Mark Edwards’ staff, the Bears posted a 54-26 (.675) record, won two UAA championships and advanced to a pair of NCAA Tournaments.

John’s coaching career began as a boy’s high school coach in the St. Louis, Missouri area (Pattonville High School). He coached at various levels during his 4 years as a high school coach.

During his time as a high school coach he also coached on the boys AAU circuit.

Patterson received his associate of arts degree from John A. Logan College in 2004, and his bachelor’s degree in education from Fontbonne University in 2007. Patterson graduated from Carterville High School (Ill.) and was an all-state selection in 2001 and 2002. He went on to play two seasons at John A. Logan and one at Fontbonne.

Patterson and his wife, Erin, have two children, Reese and Jack.