Penn State Basketball: As Chapter Closes on Season Cautious Optimism Awaits

Penn State’s 2013 season didn’t go the way coach Patrick Chambers planned. The loss of of All-Big Ten guard Tim Frazier is the well-documented genesis of a season that put extra pressure on all those who remained.

Former walk-on players put in extra hours. A transfer still dealing with the death of his mother was catapulted into a leadership role. A growing junior had to elevate his game even further. Most of all, a second year head coach was forced to guide this collection of players through the trials and tribulations of one of the nation’s toughest schedules.

Normally a 10-21 record would come with its fair share of baggage. However for Penn State there is a sense of anticipation rather than depression. Frazier began to run again four months following his Achilles surgery, and the soon-to-be fifth year senior will join the core of the rapidly improving 2013 squad along with five new faces.

With Penn State’s final stretch of the year yielding a victory over No. 4 Michigan and the team’s best all-around play, the program as a whole is focused on the future with cautious optimism.

“I think there is an excitement already and a buzz already and people are anticipating a good year,” Chambers said. “Now we have to stay healthy, we have to compete and we have to work hard, but yeah I anticipate us having a better year. What does that mean: Better? Is it 20 wins? I can’t tell you that yet, we have to see how Tim responds, we have to get the freshman in here. But clearly there is a lot of great energy from the final end of the season.”

One of Penn State’s biggest questions will be finding a big man to replace outgoing senior Sasa Borovnjak who provided the Nittany Lions with a solid interior offensive threat. While the cohesion of DJ Newbill, Jermaine Marshall, and Frazier will play a large role in Penn State’s success, getting production from the likes of Jon Graham, Donovon Jack and incoming freshman Julian Moore will be crucial.

Assuming that Chambers finds his big man, Penn State will be anxious to make up for lost time following this past season. Chambers hasn’t been one to make bold declarations, but for a coach who has tasted success in March he isn’t interested in watching the tournament from his couch. He isn’t interested in keeping that goal private either.

“I will tell you,” Chambers said. “I will tell you when I feel like we’re there. When we have a chance to win 20 games and make the NCAA tournament and compete in the Big Ten. I’m not going to hide anything. We have some question marks next year no doubt. I’m not here to make that statement today, but there is going to be a time when we’re going to be like ‘we’re an NCAA tournament team,’ and oh by the way we’re an NCAA tournament team again, and again, and again.”

“There is going to be some consistency,” Chambers said. “We’re going to make a run like some of these other programs that make the tournament and there isn’t even a thought of not making the postseason. I hope to get that soon.”

At this point Chambers can only wait. Ever on the recruiting trail there is little time for rest, only time to hope that all the hard work will eventually pay off.

“On thing I’m getting better at in my old age,” Chambers said with a half smile. “Is being patient.”