Penn State Basketball: 5 Key Players to Watch This Upcoming Season

As I look ahead to the upcoming Penn State basketball season, I can't help but feel that familiar mix of excitement and cautious optimism that comes with every preseason. Having followed college basketball for over fifteen years, I've learned that success often hinges on identifying which players can elevate their game when it matters most. This year's Nittany Lions roster presents some fascinating possibilities, and I want to share my perspective on five athletes who I believe could define our season.

Let me start with Seth Lundy, who I've been watching develop since his freshman year. The improvement in his three-point shooting last season was nothing short of remarkable - he jumped from shooting around 32% to nearly 40% from beyond the arc. That kind of progression doesn't happen by accident. I've spoken with people close to the program who say his work ethic is second to none, often being the first in the practice facility and the last to leave. What really excites me about Lundy isn't just his shooting though - it's his defensive versatility. At 6'6" with his wingspan, he can effectively guard multiple positions, which gives Coach Shrewsberry valuable flexibility in defensive schemes. I remember watching him lock down opposing wings last season and thinking this kid has NBA potential if he continues developing at this rate.

Then there's Jalen Pickett, who might be the most complete point guard we've had in recent memory. His assist-to-turnover ratio of nearly 3:1 last season was elite by any standard, and what's impressive is how he controls the tempo without forcing things. I've always valued point guards who make their teammates better, and Pickett does exactly that. His post-up game for a guard is unusually effective - I can't recall many 6'4" guards who can back down defenders as effectively as he can. The way he sees the floor reminds me of some professional players I've studied, with that rare ability to anticipate openings before they develop. If he can improve his three-point consistency - he shot about 31% last season - I genuinely believe he could be first-team All-Big Ten material.

Sam Sessoms brings something we desperately need off the bench: instant offense. Coming from Coppin State, there were questions about how his game would translate to the Big Ten, but he's silenced doubters with his fearless approach. I love watching players who aren't afraid of the moment, and Sessoms embodies that mentality. His ability to create his own shot in crucial situations has already bailed us out multiple times last season. What many fans might not notice is his improved defensive intensity - he increased his steals per game from 1.2 to 1.7 last season, showing commitment to becoming a two-way player. In close games, having a microwave scorer like Sessoms could be the difference between a good season and a great one.

John Harrar may not have the flashy stats of some players, but his value can't be overstated. As a fifth-year senior, his leadership in the locker room is invaluable, especially with several younger players expected to contribute. I've always believed that championship teams need glue guys, and Harrar is exactly that. His rebounding numbers - nearly 9 per game last season - don't fully capture his impact on the glass. I've charted multiple games where his box-outs created additional rebound opportunities for teammates. At 6'9", he understands positioning and angles better than most big men I've observed over the years. His development from role player to team leader has been one of the more rewarding stories to follow in recent Penn State basketball history.

Myles Dread represents the three-and-D prototype that modern basketball prioritizes. While his shooting percentages dipped slightly last season - down to about 34% from three after shooting 38% the previous year - I'm confident he'll bounce back. What doesn't show up in traditional stats is his defensive communication and positioning. Having studied game footage from multiple seasons, I've noticed how often Dread is in the right place at the right time defensively. His length disrupts passing lanes, and he's developed into one of our best help defenders. If he can regain his shooting form while maintaining his defensive intensity, he could be the X-factor that takes our team to the next level.

Thinking about these players reminds me of something I observed in professional basketball recently. While monitoring the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals, I came across news about June Mar Fajardo playing through a slight tear in his calf. That's the kind of toughness and commitment that separates good players from great ones. While our situation at Penn State is different, that professional mindset is what I hope to see from our key players this season. Basketball at any level requires playing through discomfort and pushing through barriers, whether physical or mental.

As we approach the new season, what excites me most about this group is their complementary skills. Lundy's shooting, Pickett's playmaking, Sessoms' scoring punch, Harrar's interior presence, and Dread's defensive versatility create a balanced foundation. Having watched countless college basketball teams over the years, I've found that the most successful squads aren't necessarily the most talented on paper, but those with the right mix of skills and the willingness to sacrifice individual stats for team success. Based on what I saw last season and hearing about their offseason work, this group seems to understand that concept. The Big Ten will be as competitive as ever, but if these five players perform to their capabilities, I believe we could surprise some people and potentially make some noise in March. There's a special feeling about this team that I haven't had in a few seasons, and I can't wait to see how it all unfolds.