Penn State Basketball: 2018-19 Season Preview

Experience

I mentioned that there are going to be three freshmen in the rotation for Penn State, but let’s not forget that the three best players on the team are upperclassmen.

Lamar Stevens, junior, became the second underclassmen in Penn State history (Tony Carr was the first) to score 1,000 points in his career. The six-foot-eight forward averaged 15.5 points per game, and 5.9 rebounds per game during 2017-18 as the second option. With Tony Carr gone, I expect Stevens to average 17-18 points per game, as there’s no doubt in my mind that he’s one of the top players in the Big Ten.

Josh Reaves, senior, has been a key piece for this team the last three seasons with his energy and ability to guard anyone in the country. It’s no coincidence that the team had trouble winning when Reaves was out last year. He’s what you call a glue guy, and a very good one. Reaves will get several NBA looks after this season, especially if his three point shooting improves from 2017-18 (37.7 percent).

Mike Watkins, redshirt junior, is a double-double machine who averaged 12.1 points per game, and 8.9 rebounds per game in 2017-18. I already mentioned his ability to alter shots defensively with over 2 blocks per game last season. Watkins will miss some time to start the season, but the coaches are hopeful he’ll be able to return as he is practicing and traveling with the team.

In addition to the importance of having these guys back this season, the experience that this team gained by making a deep run in the Big Ten Tournament, as well as winning the NIT, is invaluable. They’ve seen what it’s like to win at the NIT, and now they’ll have increased motivation to clinch the NCAA Tournament.