The transfer bug has bitten the Green Bay Phoenix again.

Big man Manny Patterson tweeted his decision to enter the transfer portal Monday afternoon becoming the third Phoenix player to leave the program so far this offseason joining Hunter Crist and Trevian Bell.

“Over the course of these last 3 years, I have had so many great moments, learned numerous amount of lessons and had fun being around a great group of guys!” Patterson wrote. “Having a diligent coaching staff helped me evolve into the student-athlete I am now!”

“I truly really appreciate everyone who had a part in helping me arrive to the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay. After long talks with my parents and close relatives, I have decided to enter my name into the transfer portal.”

“I want to finish out my collegiate career at another institution with the confident hope of continuing my development as a person on and off the court.”

Patterson averaged 5.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per game as a junior this past season. He started 24 of Green Bay’s 33 games and had the most efficient season of his collegiate career shooting the basketball knocking down over 55% of his field goal attempts.

He was an effective and productive player when he was on the floor with Green Bay going 6-2 in games in which he played at least 25 minutes. In those eight games he averaged 12.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting a blistering 71.2% from the floor.  He also ranks in the top 25 (22^nd) in Horizon League career rebounding percentage since 2009 according to SportsReference.com, a stat that estimates the percentage of available rebounds a player grabs while in the game.

Patterson’s departure leaves a significant hole on a roster that was already lacking size. He was the lone true offensive post player and defensive rim protector on the roster.

His departure also leaves the Phoenix with at least two open scholarships to fill. Zion-Benton High School 6’6” guard Demontae Taylor signed with Green Bay this week to help replace Crist – who is transferring to Binghamton – but the Phoenix are still looking to replace Bell and now Patterson.

Unless the NCAA approves transferring one time without penalty, Patterson will have to sit out next season at his new school before playing his senior season in 2021/2022.

“I want to thank the Wisconsin-Green Bay athletic department, Wisconsin-Green Bay Basketball coaching staff and the community for supporting me during the time of being a Phoenix which I am extremely thankful for,” he wrote. “So thank you University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and I am privileged to see what the future holds.”