Taking the Temperature of Penn State Basketball after first four games

John Harrar

Is there a more steady player than starting center John Harrar?  He is averaging a double double, with 11.3 points per game and 12.8 rebounds per game.  Despite (self-proclaimed) being whooped by Trent Buttrick, Harrar has done exactly what new coach Micah Shrewsberry needs.

While not as flashy as Seth Lundy, Harrar was likely the most important returning player Shrewsberry was able to keep in the blue and white.

Harrar is averaging just shy of thirty minutes a game, which is a lot for a center, but given the complete lack of depth behind him, there’s really no other option.

With Greg Lee still out with an injury, transfers (the aforementioned Buttrick to UMass and Abdou Tsimbila at Fordham), and Shrewsberry’s insistance on an incredibly short bench (seriously, when will Caleb Dorsey get any legitimately run), Harrar has been asked to carry a lot on his broad shoulders.

You know what you’ll get with Harrar and on a team of unknowns, that’s simply vital.

Jalanni White

White is only averaging 15 minutes a game and has gotten into foul trouble, but his high energy and ability to jump through the gym has helped him make an impact on the depleted Penn State Basketball frontcourt.

White is averaging 6.3 points per game to go with 5 rebounds.  His skillset is best used coming off the bench and providing a spark and that’s a role he seems like he is able fill thus far in the year.