Before the start of Penn State
's basketball season, there has been a lot of buzz about how different the team will look. What with Mike Rhoades' overhaul of the roster, especially with international talent, there may be a lot more questions being asked about this team as they head into a season of potential, yet uncertainty. Here are the five questions most fans will be wondering as they start the season.Can this roster find cohesion early on?
This question is perhaps the most pressing considering the wholesale changes the roster underwent. At point guard, you have Jay Rodgers, a solid downhill scorer. However, behind him, you also have perimeter players to stretch the floor. Down low, you have Croatian sophomore Ivan Juric as the nucleus of the offense, but on the bench, you can
also call upon transfer Tim Obohto provide defensive solidity as well. For Mike Rhoades, it's all about finding a balance that allows all of his players to shine at the right moments, as well as keeping the team diverse as well.
Can Jay Rodgers handle the pressure of the Big Ten at PG?
Speaking of Rodgers, he will have to carry a heavier load than ever this season. As a Central Connecticut transfer, Rodgers will have to adjust quickly to the physicality of the Big Ten. The position of point guard for the Nittany Lions has always been one of stability, with guys like Kayden Mingo and Freddie Dilione V providing offensive spark even when the squad wasn't performing itself. In order for this new look team to hit the ground running, Rodgers has to be at the forefront of what the offense does. As someone who has averaged 7 assists per game, chances are Rodgers could fit right in.
What will the frontcourt look like?
Down low, things could get very interesting for the Nittany Lions. With the addition of two key pieces ot the frontcourt, Penn State could look much better, especially on the boards and defensively. Looking at someone like Tim Oboh, who stands 6-11, who led his Buffalo squad in blocks last year, Penn State can find a defensive anchor in key moments off the bench. Most importantly, it can alleviate the pressure felt by Ivan Juric as well. If Juric can be the center of the offense, Tim Oboh can provide the defensive structure Penn State craves.
Can the perimeter shooting additions really spread the floor?
Perhaps the most important aspect of the Penn State offense could be the perimeter threat they now have. Last ywar, they were one of the worst 3 point shooting teams in the entire country. This year though, they have two players who can really add scoring pop from beyond the arc. Both Brant Byers and Roberts Blums shot 40 percent from 3 last year and can take away the pressure of Juric down low. IF they can make more 3s than not, this offense could become much more versatile.
How hot is Mike Rhoades' hot seat?
The reality of the situation is that while Rhoades has done everything he can to rebuild this team, he may not have much time to mold them. He is coming off of a season in which the Nittany Lions only won 12 games and lost a lot of talent to the transfer portal. While he made up for it recruiting wise, the athletic department may not want more of a project at this point of his career. Penn State has a very tough schedule, especially with more power conferecne opponents than ever and will play in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: 5 questions for Penn State basketball this season
