Penn State Men’s Basketball and Their Fans Look forward to New Season

Written by Erica Teller

Penn State’s Men’s Basketball games have the potential to be a great night for any basketball fan, student, or family. Last season proved to be a struggle as the team had to transition between new coaches and new players. However, fans in Happy Valley are optimistic that this season will prove to be an exciting and competitive one.

Second-year head coach, Patrick Chambers, has been motivated since first arriving at Penn State and has never lost his energy. The positive attitude, veteran players, and great match-ups will drive many people to the Bryce Jordan Center this season with games that are thrilling to watch.

Attend individual games or get season tickets to make a night out of game nights with family or friends.

The return of leaders Tim Frazier and Jermaine Marshall are a huge reason why Penn State men’s basketball will be exciting to watch. Frazier established himself among the elite guards in the nation after leading the Big Ten in assists (6.2) and finishing second in scoring (18.8) and steals (2.4) in his junior year.

Expectations are high for Marshall, as well, especially from Coach Chambers, who has said that Marshall has matured as a player and has become one of the best three-point shooters on the team.

Penn State is also excited to have transfer, D.J. Newbill, a sophomore from Southern Mississippi, who scored 9.2 ppg as a freshman on the Golden Eagles.

Great match-ups with other respectable teams are another reason fans will want to attend games this season. The BJC will play host to a historic game with Bucknell on Friday, November 23, as the teams clash during both their 100th match and their first game since 2006. Coach Chambers expects the series will generate new fans throughout Pennsylvania. The team’s first at-home game with a Big Ten school happens January 7, 2013, as Penn State hosts Indiana University.

Other Big Ten match-ups at the Bryce Jordan Center include:
• January 10—Northwestern

• January 16—Michigan State

• January 19—Nebraska

• January 26—Ohio State

• February 5—Purdue

• February 14—Iowa

• February 27—Michigan

• March 10—Wisconsin

Expect sold-out crowds and much support in the BJC especially those games.

There are also plenty of special events and fundraisers this season that would be great to attend with family or friends. THON Hoops, held during the Nebraska game on January 19, welcomes Four Diamonds children and their families to the BJC with all student ticket proceeds benefit Penn State Dance Marathon. There is no reason why the BJC shouldn’t be sold out this game for a Big Ten match-up and a great cause.

Other special events include:

• Senior Night, February 27, Michigan

• Alumni Day, March 10, Wisconsin

• Coaches vs. Cancer, January 26, Ohio State

Get pumped for the season by going to the free preseason event, Hoops Madness, on Thursday, October 25, in Rec Hall. There will be special performances and appearances by Chambers and the team.

Penn State men's basketball season tickets and PNC Bank Flex Books are available for purchase for a 2012-2013 home schedule that will feature 17 regular season games, including nine clashes with Big Ten opponents, and one pre-season exhibition in the Bryce Jordan Center. Fans who wish to purchase tickets should call 1-800-NITTANY or visit GoPSUsports.com/tickets. 

Photo courtesy of Andy Colwell, live.psu.edu