We continue the recruit and return series with the Penn State Nittany Lions, who did not make the NCAA tournament. A look at what the 2018-19 season could hold for Pat Chambers and Penn State.
Possible 2018-19 starting five
G: Tony Carr
G: Josh Reaves
F: Mike Watkins
Who is lost: The big question surrounds Carr and when he’ll make the jump to the NBA. Watkins is possibly another name to watch. Penn State knows it will be without Garner, its most prolific 3-point shooter and fourth-leading scorer. The four-year starter leaves a void in an otherwise dynamic backcourt. Julian Moore provided about 10 minutes per game off the bench and helped Penn State’s interior defense with 25 blocks.
Who is added: Chambers signed a pair of ESPN four-star prospects this fall in guards Rasir Bolton and Myles Dread. Both should be part of the rotation in 2018-19, especially if Carr enters the NBA draft. Bolton is a natural point guard and the likely successor to Carr whenever he moves on. Dread, meanwhile, also is a strong passer but features a pretty jump shot and has the strength to play a bit inside. He should help fill the production left by Garner. Penn State also is bringing in a big piece in 7-footer Tolu Jacobs Yaffa, a Nigeria native who started his high school career in Georgia before moving to California. He’s a project and could redshirt in 2018-19.
What it means for next season: This has a chance to be Chambers’ best and deepest team in State College, as long as Carr remains in college. He’s the Big Ten’s best guard and triggers Penn State’s offense with his superb scoring and passing skills. Stevens and Watkins form one of the league’s best frontcourt tandems, as Watkins is a consistent double-double candidate. This is a talented, balanced team that looked NCAA tournament-worthy at times this past season but couldn’t overcome a soft non-league slate and some key losses down the stretch. Penn State could shoot 3-pointers, led the Big Ten in steals and held its own with rebounding despite lacking a true center. Penn State brings back six players who averaged at least 15 minutes per game, but it will look to add depth in certain spots.
Trending: Up. Penn State jumped six spots in the Big Ten standings and beat Ohio State three times with a group that should return mostly intact for 2018-19. The starting lineup should be capable. Penn State needs to start faster and record more quality wins in November and December, but it should be a factor in the Big Ten.