LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky star Patrick Patterson is ahead of schedule in rehabilitating an ankle injury that cut short the center's freshman season in February.

The former Huntington High standout suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle. Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie said Thursday Patterson has been running on a treadmill in a therapeutic pool at the school's practice facility and could be back on the court as early as next month.

Patterson averaged 16.4 points and 7.7 rebounds last season. Kentucky overcame a rough start to finish 18-13 and qualify for the NCAA tournament for the 17th straight season.