Dec. 2, 2014
By Matt Allibone, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - When you think about the Penn State men's basketball team, chances are sophomore Geno Thorpe isn't the first player that comes to mind.
After all, he's not a starter, isn't one of the team's top three scorers, and at 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds is hardly one of the biggest players on the roster.
At the same time, it's hard to argue that the Nittany Lions would be off to their 6-1 start right now if not for the efforts of the second-year guard. Arguably the best defender on the roster, Thorpe is the type of player whose contributions don't always show up on the stat sheet.
"He's been kind of like our enforcer," senior captain D.J. Newbill said. "When Geno gets in the game it's almost like a whole [different] game. He increases our intensity and he understands that we need him to come off the bench and be a big part of this team so he's embraced his role."
Although Thorpe may not be a household name the same way Newbill is, it is almost impossible not to notice him when he is on the court. One of the grittiest players around, the sophomore routinely dives for loose balls, comes up with clutch steals and generally refuses to let his man breathe when playing defense.
What really sets him apart, however, is his understanding of his role. While some players strive for the spotlight that comes with being an elite scorer, Thorpe is perfectly happy playing the part of shutdown defender as long as it helps the Lions win.
"I'm very comfortable," Thorpe said. "Last year I kind of had a similar role, but this year being older by like a year I mean I kind of know what's expected of me. So it's easier for me to just come off the bench and play my role, do my job."
As a true freshman last season, Thorpe averaged 11.8 minutes a game while coming off of the bench. In year two, the guard's playing time is up to 23.6 minutes, behind only starters Newbill, Shep Garner, Brandon Taylor and Ross Travis.
Not only has Thorpe's playing time increased, his game as a whole has also improved. After averaging just 3.2 points last year, the shooting guard has increased his scoring output to 9.0 points this season and is currently the team's fourth leading scorer behind Newbill (25.0), Garner (10.9) and Taylor (10.4).
Though Thorpe's additional scoring is partly the result of him taking more shots, he has also been extremely efficient, shooting 45 percent from the field and improving his free throw shooting from 69 percent as a freshman to 86 percent as a sophomore. He has even made four 3-pointers on the season and is shooting a respectable 33 percent from behind the arc.
"Well I worked on a lot of stuff over the summer, just trying to be consistent from three, and trying to make my game more of an all-around type of guard type of thing," Thorpe said. "So like, I see improvements in the games but really it's just about me taking smart shots and making the right plays and that's all I'm trying to do really and it makes the game easier for me."
According to head coach Patrick Chambers, developing Thorpe from an energy guy and effective defender to someone who can play in any situation required teaching him to how to harness his energy on the court while keeping his non-stop motor going at all times.
Chambers also believes the Pittsburgh native's improvement is largely due to an increased amount of time in the gym. At this point, the fourth year coach said he never sees a drop off in the team's production when Thorpe enters the game.
"Give Geno the confidence and the freedom to make plays, and I think that helps his game," Chambers said. "He knows what his role is but I think he's also, maybe D.J. has rubbed off on him, because he's getting in the gym more and shooting.
"It's just like having a starter [on the bench]. Geno is such a spark and totally changes the dynamic of the team. We have eight (possible) starters, which is great. Guys are playing quality minutes and you've got veterans. Even though Geno is only a sophomore he played quality minutes last year."
Even with his improved offense, the Lions will still look to Thorpe to be their defensive anchor in the backcourt as the season continues. While he has played that part terrifically so far, the guard knows task will get tougher once the Big Ten schedule starts on Dec. 31.
However, those types of challenges just excite Thorpe. With his older teammates providing an excellent example for him, the sophomore is determined to enhance his game as the Lions look to take the next step as a program.
"I take a lot from guys like D.J and John [Johnson]. Just trying to take smart shots and take the right shots ... not always trying to force something and just doing the right thing," Thorpe said.