The Nittany Lions are coming off a 27-11 (10-8, 4th place Big Ten) season in which they won the NIT championship after narrowly missing the NCAA tourney cut. The team set a school record for wins, but says it's hungrier to make it to the big show this year. Coach Ed DeChellis was just awarded a three-year extension at his alma mater. In his seventh season, he is expecting a lot as he returns three starters and eight lettermen.
Key Losses are Jamelle Cornely (NIT tournament MVP), Danny Morrissey, and Stanley Pringle. But the Lions have one of my favorite players in the conference in junior guard Taylor Battle. At 5-11, 160, this kid plays like the game's on the line every possession. He's a fearless attacker not afraid to take his lumps because he'll make you pay at the free throw line. He's also a more than capable threat from the three.
Along the same lines, there is much hype being given to recent commit Taran Buie, a high school senior-to-be and half-brother of Battle. He's being called the most highly touted recruit in the program's history. But unfortunately, PSU fans will have to wait another year to see him in white and navy.
What might put the Lions over the NCAA tourney edge this year, and what most likely kept them on the outside looking in last year, is their nonconference schedule, which has apparently been beefed up this season just for that reason. PSU was third in scoring in the Big Ten last season, but eight in scoring defense. If it can shape up that side of the ball, it should be in good shape come March.
No comments:
Post a Comment