Penn State Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Nittany Lions

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NEWARK, NJ – DECEMBER 10: Mike Watkins #24 of the Penn State Nittany Lions battles Cameron Johnson #23 of the Pittsburgh Panthers for a loose ball during the second half of a college basketball game at Prudential Center on December 10, 2016 in Newark, New Jersey. Pitt defeated Penn State 81-73. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Season outlook

Penn State has heightened expectations and as much talent as they’ve had in recent seasons. Still, the success of this team will come down to their ability to replace Carr.

Stevens seems poised to step up and be the next go-to guy for head coach Pat Chambers but, in reality, everyone has to step up. They will have a very short bench if their freshmen aren’t able to contribute.

Yes, the Big Ten is relatively wide open this year, but Penn State lacks the top-end talent to really compete with the teams that are expected to finish in the top four or five in the conference. Because of that, I think they’ll find themselves on the NCAA Tournament bubble yet again.

Next. Preseason Big Ten Rankings for 2018-19. dark

What side of the bubble will they fall on? That depends on their ability to beat top teams other than Ohio State. Home games against Michigan State and Purdue in January highlight their conference schedule and winning one (or both) of those games will go a long way in solidifying their resume.

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