Needless to say, basketball takes a back seat to JoePa and the guys here at Penn State. One can’t say this isn’t without reason, as success has been hard to come by with the exception of an NIT championship two years ago. But with the 2010-2011 season getting started with tonight’s tip against Lehigh, a couple of Onward State writers give their opinions on the upcoming season. For complete coverage of men’s basketball all season, check back here at OS or visit friend of the blog Ben Jones and his crew over at Victory Bell Rings.

Mike
Record: 16-13
Impact Player: Tim Frazier
Talor Battle needs help to make this a solid team. If Frazier becomes a consistent scorer, this team could do well. Otherwise, I think this team has a very mediocre season and Battle never gets into the NCAA Tournament.

Dan
Record: 16-13
Impact Player(s): Andrew Jones and Jeff Brooks
As a senior, I’ve seen the highest highs (witnessing an NIT Championship in MSG) and the lowest lows (starting off 0-12 in the conference last year). With senior leadership guiding this team, they can have a great year or be plagued by the inconsistencies they have all been a part of in the past. Much of that will depend on the play of Jones and Brooks and how well they will supplement the scoring of Talor Battle and David Jackson. Tim Frazier and Billy Oliver should step in big ways, and I think the freshman class of Taran Buie, Johnathan Graham and Tre Bowman could turn some heads. If all the pieces fit together, Battle and crew finally make it to the Big Dance. If everything falls apart, another sub-.500 season could be the result and Coach DeChellis will be out of a job.