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Chambers Has “More Answers Than Questions” Heading into 2019-20

Opens in a new window 2019-20 NITTANY LION ROSTER Opens in a new window 2019-20 SCHEDULE Opens in a new window COACH PATRICK CHAMBERS Opens in a new window Season Ticket Information

ROSEMONT, Ill. – Penn State men's basketball coach Patrick Chambers has not yet set his starting lineup.
 
He's still considering options and matchups, even as he spoke with members of the media and recorded interviews with network broadcasters at Big Ten Conference's media day Wednesday. For the coach entering his ninth year as the Nittany Lion leader, it's actually a good problem for him to have.
 
For the 2019-20 season, Chambers says, he "has more answers than questions," and that's a luxury, with an experienced team -- the most experienced in Chambers' tenure -- taking the court this season. In previous years, the Nittany Lions have relied on freshmen. This year, they have seniors and juniors to carry the mantle.
 


In May, Stevens, the All-Big Ten Conference first-team forward, answered the question, "would he return to Penn State?" with a resounding "yes!" The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, product worked out with several NBA teams and announced his return to earn his degree and lead the Nittany Lions for his senior campaign.
 
"What made me decide to come back was my ultimate belief in Coach Chambers and my teammates," Stevens said. "I think the team we have this year, the guys we brought in, they are special and I'm excited to play with them and excited for the fans to see them and I think we can really do something special this year."
 
Of course, the question everyone is asking is, "is this the year?" There's hope attached to the line of questioning. Will the Nittany Lions punch their ticket to the NCAA Tournament?
 
It's a tough question to answer on October 2nd.
 
For the Nittany Lions in the midst of practices and workouts, their perspective is different. They speak about leadership and commitment they have to each other.
 
"I think it is all about punching your ticket every day," said junior forward John Harrar. "Coach Chambers shows up every day and he challenges us to show up every day right there with him."
 

 

The momentum from Penn State's late-season momentum swing that produced 7-3 record in its final 10 regular-season Big Ten Conference games has been a key factor in the Nittany Lions' confidence through the summer and preseason.

Now just about a month away from the season opener on Tuesday, Nov. 5 vs. Maryland Eastern Shore, there will be several more practices, scrimmages and an exhibition game (vs. Delaware Oct. 27) to prepare these Nittany Lions. The schedule includes 17 home games, nine of those Big Ten Conference games, at the Bryce Jordan Center, and a Jan. 4 "home" game at The Palestra in Philadelphia vs. Iowa.


 


"Our schedule is difficult, just like last year, and that's the way we want it," Chambers said. "It presents opportunities for us to get better and put us in position to be the most successful team that we can be by the end of the year."
 
Season tickets for 2019-20 are on sale now. The package includes 17 home games at the Bryce Jordan Center. Student season tickets are $35 and can be purchased at gopsusports.com/mbbstudents.

For more information about new men's basketball season tickets, visit the online ticket information page or call 1-800-NITTANY weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
 
Keep up-to-date with the latest information from Coach Patrick Chambers and the Nittany Lions on Twitter by following @Coach_Chambers and @PennStateMBB, liking the team's page on Facebook and following the team Instagram account at @pennstatembb.