Penn State Basketball: Are Nittany Lions a legitimate NCAA contender?

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 03: Lamar Stevens #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions reacts in the second half while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on January 03, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 68-55. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2 of 4

NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 29: Lamar Stevens #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Key Players

Lamar Stevens

Stevens is one of the best players in Penn State history. While the 6-8 forward’s numbers are down this year, he has become more efficient and a better passer. Still, he leads the team in scoring at 16.4 points a game and is the team’s second-leading rebounder. Plus, the Philadelphia native has shown significant improvement/focus on the defensive end this year. Stevens has scored in double-figures in each of his first 14 appearances, which includes three 20-point games, to go along with three doubles.

Mike Watkins

Watkins is a monster of a man who is very athletic and an excellent rebounder as well as a shot-blocker. The 6-9 senior forward surpassed the 1,000-point mark on Dec. 20 against Central Connecticut State and has over 800 rebounds, becoming the third player in the program to put up such numbers. He currently tops all active NCAA players with 245 blocked shots and ranks No. 1 in school history in shooting percentage at 61.6%. The Philadelphia native has five double-doubles and seven double-digit rebound contests.

Myreon Jones

One of the reasons that Penn State is where they are is due to Jones’ development. Jones entered the game against Iowa, having scored in double-figures in four straight games as well as draining multiple three-pointers in eight consecutive contests. While he struggled against the Hawkeyes, finishing with just five points on 2-for-9 shooting from the field and 1-for-6 from beyond, the 6-3 sophomore is still the team’s second-leading scorer at 13.8 points. Jones also leads the Nittany Lions with 2.2 triples a game while shooting 44.1% from the field along with 40% from deep.

Jones has scored in double-figures in 10 of 14 games, which includes reaching the 20-point plateau three times. The Birmingham (Ala.) native has also made a three-pointer in all but one of the first 14 contests. Last year, he scored in double-figures just four times in 30 appearances and averaged four points on 29.8% shooting from the field and 27.7% from beyond the arc in 10.8 minutes a game.

Home/Penn State Nittany Lions