Penn State basketball impresses to begin its season, blows out Virginia Tech

Penn State men's basketball was ranked 17th in the Big Ten at media days. Let’s just say this Mike Rhoades-led squad does not look like the 17th-best team in the conference to begin the season. Why does this Nittany Lion team look different than last year?

It takes some time to adjust for those who have not played for Rhoades, but the returning players look way more familiar and comfortable with his unique playstyle. Ace Baldwin thrives in the high-paced tempo on offense and in transition, and his brilliant chemistry with Nick Kern Jr. was on full display in Friday night's 22-point win over Virginia Tech in Baltimore. 

Zach Hicks has never lacked any confidence in his collegiate career between Temple and Penn State, and he has been playing exceptionally well this season. The 6-foot-8 forward is averaging 15.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, two steals, and 1.5 blocks per game this season. Hicks has looked great on defense, using his range to pick up deflections, steals, and blocks.

Hicks is shooting 56.4% from the field and 48.3% from three this season. Baldwin’s drive-and-kick ability has freed up Hicks for high-percentage shots, and he will continue to have every green light possible throughout the season.

Penn State averages 15.3 steals per game, leading Division I in the category. They play at the 5th fastest pace on offense, and are top 40 in two-point percentage.

This is Rhoades’s identity. Ever since he became a Division I head coach at Rice, he has implemented the high-tempo philosophy. He wants his teams to have as many possessions as possible while playing the most aggressive defense you’ll see in college basketball. 

At times it backfires. Playing too fast sometimes leads to a plethora of turnovers, while picking up the opposing team 94 feet will often lead to numerous fouls. So far, this has yet to be an issue, but against stiffer competition, the Nittany Lions will need to take care of the ball and not get in early foul trouble.

The transfer adds of Yanic Konan Niederhauser and Freddie Dilione V both already have had a big impact on the first four wins of the season. Niederhauser was in early foul trouble against Virginia Tech, but Xavier transfer Kachi Nzeh played well in his spot. 

Nzeh played 27 minutes on Friday night and has served as the backup center so far this season. He’s averaging 6 points and 3.8 rebounds per game on 50% shooting from the field. Nzeh has given the Nittany Lions solid minutes, but he might revert to a depth piece once freshman Miles Goodman returns from his injury.

Dilione V was a top 50 prospect in the 2022 recruiting class. After a redshirt and an injury riddled first two seasons, Dilione V looks to have found his footing for Penn State. He’s averaging 7.8 points and 4 rebounds per game to begin the season, and has started all four games so far.

He played his best game of the year against Virginia Tech, tallying 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals while shooting 50% from three. Look for Dilione V to keep this up, he looks great on the defensive side of the ball, and he’s another player on this team who doesn’t seem to lack any confidence in himself.

The role players have shined in their roles in the first two weeks of the season, and is largely why this team feels different and has a special feel to it. They will be tested more in the next few games, including clashes with Purdue and Rutgers in early December.