Victory Bell Rings
Fansided

Penn State Basketball: Goodbye Talor Battle, another Nittany Lion changes his mind

By Evan Smith

TUCSON, AZ - MARCH 17: Talor Battle #12 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after scoring a three-pointer against the Temple Owls during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at McKale Center on March 17, 2011 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ - MARCH 17: Talor Battle #12 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after scoring a three-pointer against the Temple Owls during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at McKale Center on March 17, 2011 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Penn State Basketball legend, Talor Battle, has moved on from the program, after initially accepting a role on Micah Shrewsberry’s staff

Former Penn State Basketball standout Talor Battle is joining his half-brother as he accepts a job on the Northwestern coaching staff.

Announced on twitter Monday, Northwestern Men’s Basketball Head Coach Chris Collins announced the hiring of Talor Battle as an assistant coach.

"“We’re excited to welcome Talor to the program,” Collins said in a statement. “His track record as an elite player in this league makes him an incredible mentor for our players, and an obviously compelling recruiter. He has a great knowledge of the game and an undeniable passion for coaching that will be great additions to the staff.”"

What is odd about this announcement is that less than one month ago, Penn State Head Coach Micah Shrewsberry announced the retention of Talor Battle on his staff.

Battle was initially hired by former coach Pat Chambers after graduating from Penn State in 2011 as the program’s all-time leading scorer (although without COVID-19 Lamar Stevens would have passed him) and leading the team to the NCAA Tournament.  Shrewsberry had announced his title would be Assistant to the Head Coach.  It’s now more obvious that position was something of a demotion from the position he held with Chambers/Ferry and led to this abrupt departure from his alma mater.

“I am fired up about the vision and direction Coach Collins has for this program,” Battle said, of the move. “I look forward to learning from Coach Collins and accomplishing special things here in Evanston.”

Battle’s half brother, Boo Buie is currently on the Northwestern roster.  Buie averaged 10.3 points and 4.6 assists for the Wildcats last year.

Rumors were swirling about a Battle and Buie reuinion and many hopes that would happen at Penn State, not Northwestern.

There’s nothing wrong about losing a coach to a better school, or for a promition of duties/role.  But it is odd to have a coach commit to your staff and then change his mind just weeks later.  This on the heels of Izaiah Brockington basically doing the same thing only adds to the curiousity of the situation.

We wish Talor Battle all the best and look forward to greeting him warmly on his annual returns to the BJC representing the purple and white.

https://twitter.com/NUMensBball/status/1391839042585735175

Home/NCAA Basketball