I noticed watching the game at the Palestra that PSU does not have a true Center. Watkins is 6-9. If Myles and Shaq attack the rim like we did against Nebraska, I think Watkins can get into foul trouble. There's no one else behind Watkins that has any size. Stevens and Dread can both shoot the rock though. We gotta contest every one of their shots.
Thoughts about PSU hoops roster
- Thread starter red sail
- Start date
Watkins and Harrar are both burly 6-9 kids who play “big.” Myles Johnson is obviously bigger and longer than both, but I think the PSU guys can match up. Watkins is a good shot blocker with long arms.
I actually think PSU is a very similar team to us, with a bunch of good guards/wings. But Lamar Stevens could be the difference maker, as he can score at three levels and is 6-8.
This is going to be a very difficult game. PSU can score points in bunches, so we need to ratchet up the defense. Stevens is a real matchup problem at a nimble 6-8. Harper and Yeboah will have their hands full with him.
I actually think PSU is a very similar team to us, with a bunch of good guards/wings. But Lamar Stevens could be the difference maker, as he can score at three levels and is 6-8.
This is going to be a very difficult game. PSU can score points in bunches, so we need to ratchet up the defense. Stevens is a real matchup problem at a nimble 6-8. Harper and Yeboah will have their hands full with him.
I guess he looks more like a power forward or a tight end in football. The guy is wide but doesnt look like a center to me.
Myles v Watkins is a great college matchup. Lamar Stevens is 1st team All-B1G and All American. Our length and ability to defend their guards is a huge key. We haven’t lost at home. Caleb played great stepping back in to the starting lineup and 8-8/20/5/5 isn’t repeatable, but a noticeable Caleb in this game would help a bunch. Harper is about due for a 17+ night. 11/10 with the two early 3’s at NU was a sign.
I think Yeboah can do a good job on Stevens. Like the match up with PSU but we'll see if no Geo plays a bigger factor in this one.
Is it just me or does Watkins look like he’s 45 yrs old?
Foul trouble in this type of game will impact the outcome ,
This x 100, especially if and how the zebras respect Myles.
This PSU team is very deep at guard, and foul trouble in the backcourt isn’t much of a concern. However, the front court is a different story, as either Watkins or Stevens sitting would have a big impact.
If I’m a coach, I’m hacking Johnson when he’s got it on the block. However, PSU doesn’t have that luxury this year and has to be careful not to give away fouls.
I agree, but oddly enough the PSU roster lists him as a forward - but they only list guards and forwards (maybe a new trend). The RU roster does list Myles as a center, though.
https://gopsusports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster
But Penn State and Stevens has to guard Harper and Akwasi. Stevens is also foul prone. Penn State losing Stevens for any significant time and they look like a different team. He is their engine. Will be a great matchup across the board with 2 evenly matched teams.
We play a lot of 1-2-2 full court, especially when Brockington is in the game. Without him, Wheeler will often pick up the primary ball handler full court to slow down the offense.
Other defensive tendency is that PSU will also switch on pretty much all ball screens on the 1-4. A lot of trapping and overplaying passing lanes going for steals, and then letting Watkins clean up on the back end.
Watkins is a very good help defender protecting the rim, but in years past, he’s been prone to lazy/dumb fouls. He’s really cleaned up that part of his game this year and avoiding the fouls going for offensive rebounds or illegal screens, however Garza gave him fits on Saturday and he was in foul trouble much of the game.