Penn State basketball’s season is months away but the 2015-16 schedule is slowly coming into focus with the announcement that the Nittany Lions will host DePaul as part of the Big Ten/Big East Challenge.
The game is set for Nov. 17, the first day of the four day event.
Officially referred to as the Gavitt Tipoff Games, Penn State will take part in the first year of the cross conference challenge. The Big Ten/ACC Challenge is also still on the slate with that schedule due out in early May.
DePaul isn’t the toughest opponent on paper going 12-20 last season and 6-12 in the Big East. Despite that, a post-DJ Newbill Penn State team will likely need a few easier tests to grow accustomed to competing without one of the best scorers to ever play for the Blue and White.
While not yet official, Penn State’s remaining schedule is taking shape around several road challenges highlighted by a late December tournament in Las Vegas. That will include two home games before facing two teams in a four team field. Colorado, Kent State and SMU are reportedly the other three teams slated to join Penn State in Nevada. The home opponents are still to be determined.
Additionally Penn State will eventually announce road visits to George Washington in addition to a meeting against Drexel at the Palestra to cap off a brief tour of the Philadelphia region. A previously assumed trip to Duquesne on the final legs of a long-term deal is not an automatic addition to the 2015 schedule but could fall back into the mix.
Penn State went 12-1 in the out-of-conference schedule last season before stumbling in the Big Ten. A relatively young Nittany Lion squad will need to learn quickly in order to prevent a repeat of recent seasons in conference play. Penn State will look to rising stars Geno Thorpe and Shep Garner to carry some of the scoring load with senior Brandon Taylor expected to contribute.
Ultimately though, if the Nittany Lions are to be successful this upcoming season it will be largely due to the rapid maturation and development of highly touted freshman guard Josh Reaves and center Mike Watkins.
If they and fellow freshman Deividas Zemgulis can contribute meaningful and productive minutes, Penn State may slowly begin the transition to team basketball and out of an era in program history of “hero ball” behind the skills of Talor Battle, Tim Frazier and most recently DJ Newbill.
Popular Stories:
Penn State Football: Did You See That? Five Things You Might Have Missed
Penn State Basketball: Tim Frazier Named D-League MVP And Rookie Of The Year
Penn State Football: Defensive Ends Live Up To Hype In Spring Game
Penn State Football: Blue White Jersey Auction Set To Benefit Uplifting Athletes
Penn State Football: Blue White Game Photo Gallery
Penn State Football: Shoop Not Defensive About Decision to Stay
