Former Penn State Basketball coach Pat Chambers on Current Players’ Podcast

Current Penn State Basketball players hosted former coach Pat Chambers for an all-encompassing interview on their podcast

There is no program in the nation like Penn State Basketball.

It’s well-known they fired their coach just before the season started under the guise of a resignation.  The embarrassment that is the administration of this program has been well-written.  Players were outspoken in their confusion about Chambers’ “resignation” including co-host John Harrar.  And yet, Pat Chambers joined Jones and Harrar for their latest Midnight Domino segment.

First off, let’s talk about how unique it is to see two student athletes decide to start a podcast.  This was their 29th episode since releasing their first back on April 27th.  It’s worth listening through them all.  They usually feature a guest (like Josh Reaves, Talor Battle, etc.) with some prepared questions normally divulging into a free-wheeling conversastion.  And fan-favorite “Freestyle Challenge”, where they ask their guests to freestyle rap.

They even hosted former Nittany Lion at the center of the Chambers controvery, Rasir Bolton.

Every episode is worth the listen and kudos to Myreon Jones and John Harrar for engaging with fans through this medium.  This is yet another example of the high quality student athletes at Penn State.

Pat Chambers was engaging throughout the interview and you can hear the joy in his voice to speaking with some of his former players.  Questions ranged from how Chambers got into coaching, his involvement with the marketing of Penn State Basketball (#attitude, #trusttheclimb, etc.) and his guiding principles.

Particularly bittersweet, Chambers said Penn State was always his dream job (good luck finding ANYONE else that will say that Sandy, especially with the embarrassing salary you wll offer).  They exchanged funny stories including the time Chambers ripped his suit before a nationally televised game and unique insights into the program, like Pat telling Myreon Jones he was almost redshirtted so he could put on weight.  His departure wasn’t specifically addressed but was indirectly mentioned in a discussion about mental strength.

Chambers never said anything negative about the program or his dismissal.  He spoke incredibly high of assistant coach Keith Urgo (who is rumored to have wanted the interim head choaching job instead of Ferry) and at more than one point discussed his “next job”, where and whenever that may be.

It’s not clear why Pat agreed to be interviewed on this podcast but if nothing else, it was great to hear his voice.

Throughout the interview, Chambers was incredibly mature and well-composed.  He came across as the exact type of man you want leading your athletic department.  Unfortunately for us, Athletic Director Sandy Barbour does not agree.  Add this as another chapter in the never ending paradigm that is Penn State Basketball.