Editor's Note: Lions247, with the help of head coach Patrick Chambers, breaks down all of the Nittany Lions in a four-part series, which begins today with a look at Penn State's three freshman arrivals.
Akosa Maduegbunam was Penn State's first recruit of the Patrick Chambers era.
The Rewind: Coming from Boston, Maduegbunam (pronounced MAD-a-WAY-boo-nam) was Patrick Chambers’ first recruit after coming to Penn State, verballing to the Lions in June of 2011. The 6-foot-3 combo guard is chiseled and already has a college ready body, playing his high school ball at The Winchendon School.
The Rewind: Taylor was on the coaching staff’s radar during the summer of 2011, eventually visiting for a game that September and verballing shortly afterwards. Coming from Team Philly, the 6-foot-7 forward shed 30 pounds this summer and is lighter on his feet. Taylor possesses a sweet stroke from outside that will stretch opposing defenses.
The Rewind: Originally a Duquesne commit, Jack decommitted in April and Penn State got involved quickly. After visiting the school, the 6-foot-9 big man decided to stay in-state despite a late push from Clemson.
Jack has added some weight this summer to his thin 205-pound frame, and has surprised some people thus far.
Chambers’ Words: “These freshmen, they’ve got a long way to go, but thanks to the summer it has made the transition a little more smooth. But still, it is a major leap to go from high school basketball to college, especially the Big Ten.
“They’re still trying to learn everything, trying to be coachable, but they’re trying to play perfect and do everything right. It’s going to take some time for them to get their confidence down. Those guys are fighting for minutes, and they’ve all in their own way impressed me.
“As a freshman, though, you’re inconsistent. One day Donovon plays great, then Brandon plays great, then Akosa plays great. They’re on a roller coaster and aren’t ready to do it consistently every day like Tim, Jermaine, D.J. or Ross. They have to continue to keep grinding, keep getting better, and once the light goes on their minutes will increase.”
- Andrew Dzurita
- Contributor - Lions247