Busting Brackets
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Big Ten Basketball: Predicting teams at the top for 2019-20 season

By Brandon Simberg

COLUMBUS, OH - JANUARY 5: C.J. Jackson #3 of the Ohio State Buckeyes pokes the ball away from Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans in the first half on January 5, 2019 at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - JANUARY 5: C.J. Jackson #3 of the Ohio State Buckeyes pokes the ball away from Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans in the first half on January 5, 2019 at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 01: The Penn State Nittany Lions bench celebrates in the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second round of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 1, 2018 in New York City (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 01: The Penn State Nittany Lions bench celebrates in the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second round of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 1, 2018 in New York City (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

6. Penn State

Key players lost: Josh Reaves, Rasir Bolton

Key players returning: Lamar Stevens, Mike Watkins, Jamari Wheeler, Myles Dread

Key newcomers: Izaiah Brockington (transfer)

After Cassius Winston, there might not be a better player in the Big Ten than Lamar Stevens. The rising senior put up monstrous numbers for the Nittany Lions en route to an All-Big Ten first team selection. Stevens returns with fellow starters Myles Dread and Jamari Wheeler to form one of the best Penn State squads in years.

Pat Chambers’ team got off a disastrous 0-10 start in conference play last season but finished 7-3 down the stretch including some impressive wins. They started playing with a more frenetic pace and did a good job causing turnovers, led by the Big Ten steals leader Josh Reaves. Reaves has graduated, but Dread can fill his shoes after a promising freshman season. Also keep an eye on Iziah Brockington, a transfer from Saint Bonaventure who sat out last season.

What I like about Penn State (I’m admittedly higher on them than others) is their familiarity. With Stevens back in the fold, I know they will be able to score the ball and they have legitimate size inside with Stevens and Mike Watkins. Other Big Ten teams will take time to figure out how to gel with each other, but the continuity of Penn State will be a bonus.

With a talented roster, this might be a make-or-break season for Pat Chambers. Chambers is entering year nine with a 45-101 record in Big Ten play and zero NCAA tournament appearances with Penn State. If the Nittany Lions can’t capitalize on all the returning talent, Chambers job might be in trouble.

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