Big Ten Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2022-23 season

Penn State teeters between the bottom rung and the next tier up in the Big Ten. With a good amount of senior leadership and some big scores in the transfer portal, however, the Nittany Lions may surprise.

Micah Shrewsberry righted the ship in Happy Valley during his first season after the exit of Pat Chambers. The program went 14-17 overall and 7-13 in Big Ten play, despite moving forward without Myreon Jones, Jamari Wheeler, and Izaiah Brockington.

More than half of the team’s minutes are returning this season. The team will be led by former MAAC Player of the Year Jalen Pickett, who averaged 13.3 points per game during his maiden voyage in the conference – he’ll be back with his extra year of eligibility.

Seth Lundy and Myles Dread are also back for their senior seasons. Lundy was second on the team with 11.9 points per game, while Dread was fifth (but third among returnees) with 6.2 points per game.

Penn State also brought in some solid transfers in Camren Wynter and Andrew Funk. Both guards should be quick contributors and Wynter has the potential to be one of the Nittany Lions’ best players.

A common thread between all of those players listed? None is taller than 6-foot-6. Penn State has a real dearth of high-level big men, which could spell trouble in the conference just like it might for Northwestern.

This could be another challenging year for the Nittany Lions, but it does feel like Shrewsberry is building excitement in Happy Valley. With a lot of upperclassmen in the fold, Penn State could surprise and perhaps build momentum on the recruiting trail too.