By Breanna Jacobs
A little under two weeks ago, it was announced that Penn State’s men’s basketball coach Ed DeChellis would not be returning next season; he would instead be taking the head coaching job at Navy. After DeChellis’ surprising announcement, many wondered who would be hired next to take on this Nittany Lion team. As of yesterday, an answer to that question was received.
Pat Chambers, former Boston University men’s basketball coach, will be formally announced as the new Nittany Lions head coach on Monday, June 6.
Chambers, who was also a former associate coach at Villanova, spent two seasons with the Boston University Terriers. In those two seasons with BU, Chambers had an overall record of 42-28. Chambers also led his team to the play-offs in each of those seasons.
Chambers will take over a Nittany Lion team that has been decimated. Penn State’s most notable and talented players, Talor Battle, Andrew Jones, Jeff Brooks, and David Jackson, graduated at the end of the 2010-2011 season, leaving the team with only one returning starter. Guard Tim Frazier, a junior, will be hard to mold an entire team around.
However, Chambers has some promising talent to work with. Jonathan Graham, who was a redshirt freshman, showed, in his limited playing time, that he may become a stand-out star for the Nittany Lions in his next few years of play. Along with Graham, Chambers will also be looking at new recruits Trey Lewis and Ross Travis to help produce wins.
In a Boston Globe article, Chambers stated, “I am truly honored and excited to be joining the Penn State family. I’m looking forward to bringing passion, energy and enthusiasm to Nittany Lion basketball. We will play a style, and bring an attitude, that Nittany Nation can be proud of.’’
If Chambers can bring a winning style and a passion for coaching to Penn State, then there is no doubt that he will take the Nittany Lions men’s basketball team far.
Wise choice by the Nittany Lions. Chambers did an impressive job with the Terriers leading them to the NCCA tournament this year – their first appearance in more than 10 years. Chambers did a great job developing John Holland into a potential draft pick. All this at a school known more for its success on frozen pond as opposed to hardwood.
I’m very optimistic about Chambers coaching this team.
I think he’ll be very successful at Penn State.