Can They Do It?

[deliverance]

I don't disagree with that at all, TAE. I just don't think they are at step one, yet. If they can go .500 in Conference play, then I would say they are at step one. I understand it's nice to put some wins on your resume, but that's not going to be enough to bring in 4 or 5 star recruits. They have to get at least 4-5 quality wins and get some television exposure. A star player would solve that.

[The Ancient Enemy]

That's the whole point to stack your win total. You add a couple 3-star players and you win some games. Then next year you have a better shot for top-notch kids. I think DeChellis can do this, I honestly do, but this is it. If it doesn't work this year, he should be fired.

[deliverance]

Anything can happen once you get into the NCAA tournament. Look at a team like Gonzaga. They made a big splash in the NCAA tournament and have received pretty big commitments ever since. They make the tournament every year and have had pretty good success and they were a nobody ten years ago. However, they do have the advantage of playing in a pretty weak conference.

[once a runner]

Location should not be an excuse for PSU's woes in basketball. Not every basketball powerhouse is located in an urban area. Lawrence, KS - Storrs, CT - Chapel Hill, NC - all schools with great basketball that are not in urban areas yet bring in many of the nations best players every year.

Like most major college sports it takes support from the administration and the right coach. PSU was moving in the right direction under Bruce Parkhill. They were playing in smaller venue during his tenure, but the student body was behind the team when they were winning 20 games a year. His successor, Dunn, had some good moments (namely the sweet 16 finish in 2001) but was unable to sustain success. DeChellis has been trying to rebuild but to this point has been largely unsuccessful. I agree that if he cannot win this year he should be out.

I think they need to take a chance on a young, innovative coach who can bring enthusiasm (and recruits) to the program. If it fails, they are no worse off then they have been in recent history. There is no reason why Penn State can not be a basketball powerhouse.

[abpk2903]

Penn State beat 8-2 Northwestern on ESPN2 today. A must have game because the make or break part of their schedule is coming up starting with @Wisky then back to the BJC for Purdue.

[deliverance]

Penn State better enjoy that win. I don't see another one coming for over two weeks.

[El-Moldo]

Good thing PSU played at home today. By the way, they've only left the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ONCE (to play a game) since last year's Big Ten Tournament. ONCE!!!! Maybe it's a "Think Green" thing.