Dec. 17, 2007
By: Brian Siegrist, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications
Around 30 members of the media gathered on the Bryce Jordan Center floor in October for the team's annual media day. They came in anticipation of meeting the 2007-08 Nittany Lion team and in particular two of the most highly anticipated freshmen recruits in recent memory. Much had been made of the two top 100 rated recruits signed by coach Ed DeChellis and his staff and many questions awaited them as they made their first appearance as Nittany Lions.
Jeff Brooks spied this scene, smiled broadly and strode confidently on to the floor greeting each of his questioners with a cheerful "Yes, sir" or "Yes, Mam" suiting of a true southern gentlemen.
"That was a big thing when I was growing up," the 6-8 forward says with a slight southern accent. "If I didn't say "Yes, sir" or "No, mam" or something like that, I would get in a lot of trouble. I would get grounded or wouldn't be able to play video games."
The Louisville, Ky., native and runner-up for Mr. Basketball in the state of Kentucky as a senior brought terrific physical gifts and basketball acumen to State College. Rated No. 57 among 2007 recruits by USA Today, he is long (possessing a nearly seven foot wing span), quick and a skilled ball handler and shooter. Yet, what charmed the media that day were his engaging smile and radiant optimism.
"He's a cool kid," fellow freshman Talor Battle, also a top 100 rated recruit, told the Centre Daily Times. The pair have combined to bring a youthful spirit and exuberance to the Penn State locker room.
"Even in games, we always try to have somebody smile even after a bad play or something because you've just got to forget about it and keep playing the game," Brooks, who high-fived everyone upon boarding the bus for his first road trip of the season, said. "That's one thing I've learned since I've been here, mistakes are going to happen, you've just got to keep on playing the game."
"I just really think we have a different attitude this year," Senior Mike Walker said when asked how the team rebounded from a tough three games in Florida to defeat Virginia Tech in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. "The leaders have done pretty well. These two guys (Brooks and Battle) as freshmen have kept everyone's spirits up and kept everyone smiling. It's just been more fun. It's not all work and we don't get anything out of it. We're trying to have fun and win at the same time."
"We're just trying to bring in a winning attitude," Brooks said. "I know some of these guys have been through some tough times around here and we haven't. After a loss or something I just try to bring a winning attitude and show that I really care that we lost. When we win, I try to not get to high and come in and win the next one as well." Brooks credits his parents, Phyllis and Jeff Brooks, Sr., for his optimistic spirit.
"My mom is very optimistic," Brooks said. "But, my dad is the most though. He always told me to keep a good attitude and always keep a smile on your face even when you're going through a tough time."
A starter in every game this season, Brooks played a career high 28 minutes at St. Joseph's and is averaging over 17 minutes a game playing at the power forward position as junior Jamelle Cornley battles a bruised knee that has caused him to miss three games. A dominating force in high school, averaging 19 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and more than two blocks a game as a senior to earn first team all-state honors, Brooks is adjusting to the more physical play at the collegiate level. He has added 17 pounds of muscle to his frame since arriving on campus, going from 188 to 205 pounds, but knows he must continue to get stronger in the weight room.
He is also keenly aware of the expectations that follow a highly-rated recruit and of his role now as a representative of Penn State University and the basketball program. Both of which he embraces with his typical ease and a determination to excel at the highest level.
"I used to work on it all the time (talking to the media), because they told me once I got up here I would have something to do with it being one of the big freshman coming in," Brooks said. "I used to talk into a mirror. Or, if I was at home and I was watching someone get interviewed I would watch how they talked. I used to really watch J.J. Reddick (Duke) and how he talked to the media. You want to always give everybody a positive image about yourself."
Brooks has done just that in his first semester in a Nittany Lion uniform making an impact on the floor and off it with his teammates, fans and the media and enjoying it all with a big smile.
Following Penn State's 66-61 victory over Virginia Tech, Brooks was asked to stick around to talk to the media. As the clock neared midnight following the late 9:30 p.m. tipoff on ESPN2, he sat with Battle and Walker before the assembled media thoughtfully answering questions. When the players were dismissed to allow reporters on deadline to speak with coach DeChellis, Brooks playfully through his hands out, turned with a grin and said, "But, I'm not done yet."
He's just getting started.