2006 Penn State Nittany Lions Basketball Preview

2006 Penn State Nittany Lions Basketball Predictions

The Penn State Nittany Lions (15- 15 overall and 6- 10 Big 10) are hoping that this season will see them break into the top half of the league. The Lions have gone 72- 162 since joining the Big 10 a decade and-a-half ago. This may be one of their best seasons in recent years.

Senior Ben Luber (7.5 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 4.4 APG, 43.5 FG%, 65.5 FT%) anchors the backcourt. He can hit from downtown, ball handle with the best and set up plays. Senior David Jackson (6.7 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.9 APG, 37.1 FG%, 71.7 FT%) is another reliable guard, while Mike Walker (6.7 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, 37.2 FG%, 81.8 FT%) can come in and provide instant offense.

The frontcourt won’t tower above anyone but they will fight every opponent to the bitter end. Jamelle Cornley (11.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.1 APG, 51.3 FG%, 64.6 FT%) and Geary Claxton (15.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 43.9 FG%, 63.1 FT%) are go-for-it tough guys who grab offensive rebounds just about as well as any Big 10 tandem. Both Claxton and Cornley can create points. Sophomore Milos Bogetic (3.7 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 0.5 APG, 45.2 FG%, 74.4 FT%) can hit from mid-range or ably dish off the pass on the give and go.

Head man Ed DeChellis (31- 57 over 3 years) led this team to its first post-season appearance in five years and first NIT bid in six last season. DeChellis has created a positive attitude amongst his players but must still address an ineffective defense. If he can get this team to play hard every minute of every game, they will be extremely dangerous and the turnaround that DeChellis started when he came on board will continue.

Look for the Nittany Lions to be part of this season’s NIT. Just about every player from last year is back. If DeChellis can get the members of this team to overachieve, the Lions may find themselves playing in the NCAA tourney instead of the Invitational. This team is on the upswing.

If you want more info on the 2006 Penn State Nittany Lions College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Michigan State Spartans and Iowa Hawkeyes.