Penn State news by
Penn State's student blog

Topics

More

“Intensity” Describes New Basketball Coach Chambers

With unconfirmed reports about Patrick Chambers becoming Penn State’s next basketball coach all over the Internet for the better part of Friday, the inevitable was finally confirmed by a tweet from a Boston University student, which read:

@sethorensky: Pat Chambers is new head coach at Penn State according to BU team sources. Chambers on a charter flight now to PSU after 2 yrs at BU

That student is Seth Orensky, a senior Broadcast Journalism major at Boston University and play-by-play announcer for BU basketball. I caught up with Seth via e-mail about what we can expect from Coach Chambers as he takes over in Happy Valley.

Q: What was the general feeling among students about Coach Chambers?

Chambers is loved by the students because he not only takes the time to interact with them, but because he brings an intensity that makes it clear his priority is winning.

Q: Pretty cool that he’s on Twitter. Does that make a difference in his perception among the student body?

Chambers isn’t extremely active on Twitter, but his blog has engaged a lot more fans. Chambers realizes that BU basketball needed to not only improve its performance on the court, but also its image in general. By providing video blogs of the players and giving inside looks into the program, he raised interest in the program and brought more people out to games.

Q: Give me one word to describe Coach Chambers, and why.

Intensity. Pat Chambers has a ridiculous amount of energy and channels it into a fiery stare that will make you wilt.

My fellow writer said, “My dad started attending games just to watch him on the sideline.” He’s extremely energetic and won’t stop until he’s turned the program into exactly what he’s envisioned.

Q: What style did BU play under Coach Chambers, and what’d you think of it?

He’s a guy who will constantly preach defense and rebounding first and thinks everything else is secondary. He wants to push the ball on offense and will run a very simple offense at the beginning in order to keep the focus on the defensive end. When (the players) bought into the system, it made BU a much tougher team. He will bring a mental toughness to Penn State that’s been absent in the past couple years.

Q: Got any good stories involving Coach Chambers?

Personally, I would say the best thing about Chambers is his passion and willingness to be over the top. At his first official appearance at BU’s Midnight Madness, Chambers ran out and jumped on top of the scorer’s table and started screaming “GO BU!” at our students.

He will take the time for anyone, whether it be a player, student, fan or journalist. Pat Chambers has time for everyone and actually cares about them.

 

It sounds like we have a lot to be excited about, Penn State fans!

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

John Tecce

John is a senior in the Smeal College of Business majoring in Marketing. He currently serves as the President of the Paternoville Coordination Committee and as a THON Chair for Nittany Nation. He tweets a lot.

My Two Cents: Sarah Lynn DeCarlo’s Senior Column

Do life “for shits and gigs” and say yes to everything college has to offer.

‘Captain Uber’ Turns Side Hustle Into Memorable Experiences

“It makes me feel like I’m a part of the town — that I’m part of the fabric of the university life.”

Olu Fashanu Showing Talent & Maturity In Leadup To NFL Draft

The senior never allowed a sack during his time with the Nittany Lions.

Follow on Another Platform
113kFollowers
164kFollowers
59.7kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Other posts by John

Nine Things You Don’t Know About The Lionettes

You see them break it down at Beaver Stadium or the BJC. You watch their hair flips and line kicks in awe. Now, get to know your Penn State Lionettes as they rapidly approach their biggest (and only) competition of the year.

2012 White Out T-Shirt Design Review

Senioritis: My Five Biggest Regrets (That I’m Willing To Write About)