2010 Preview: Penn State

Penn State surprised many by finishing as high as they did in the Big Ten last year. Thanks to inspired play by Jamelle Cornley and Talor Battle, the Nittany Lions just barely missed out on an NCAA Tournament berth. Despite being one of the last couple teams left out, Penn State used their passion and fire to sweep through the NIT, defeating George Mason, Rhode Island, Florida, Notre Dame and Baylor to give the conference two NIT championships in the last two years (Ohio State won it last year).

What should we expect from Penn State next year?

Key Returnees: G Talor Battle, F Andrew Jones, F Jeff Brooks

Key Departures: F Jamelle Cornley, G Stanley Pringle, G Danny Morrissey

Recruits: G Tim Frazier (Houston, TX), G Jermaine Marshall (Lewsiberry, PA), F Sasa Borovnjak (Fletcher, NC)

Biggest Need: Off-guard

2010 Outlook: Of all the conference's teams, you could argue Penn State loses the most. Jamelle Cornley was the heart and soul of that team and putting Battle's ridiculous late-game heroics aside, Cornley would simply let passion and put the Nittany Lions on his back, refusing to lose. Penn State needs to find a way to replace that because it made them so successful last year. The losses of Battle's backcourt mates also hurts, as Penn State needs to replace Morrissey's three-point shooting and Pringle's all-around solid play.

Battle proved to be one of the conference's best players last year and was a first team all-Big Ten selection. Love him or hate him, Battle wanted the ball in his hands with the game on the line and delivered on more than one occassion. He's got everything you like in a point guard: he's aggressive, he can create his own shot or distribute to others, he can handle the ball and he's a pesky defender. He'll be one of the conference's elite players next year and even has a cadre of his own fans.

The one thing Penn State has an abundance in is power forwards. Brooks, Jones and David "D.J." Jackson are all in the same mold, though none is really better than the other. If anything, they were complimentary role players last year, taking a back seat to Cornely, Battle and Pringle on the offensive side. Next year, Penn State's chances likely lie on their shoulders. Look for them to take much bigger roles.

Coach Ed DeChellis came into this last season on the hot seat. The majority of his seasons in Happy Valley were underachieveing, but it will be interesting to see how he responds after having a successful season. It's uncharted territory for him and his team, but it's a place he'll gladly take. All signs point to Penn State not regressing. While they may not be as talented as last year's team, they certaintly are going to be a team that "Battles" with everybody.