Nittany Lions thinking NCAAs

A snub by the NCAA Tournament left Penn State's men's basketball team deflated, but that disappointment ignited a run to Madison Square Garden and an eventual NIT championship.

Penn State assistant coach Dan Earl hopes that success will continue into the 2009-10 season, which tips off tonight at 6 with an exhibition game against Slippery Rock.

Earl talked about the looming season Thursday night at the Williamsport Nittany Lion Booster Club meeting at the VFW in Duboistown.

"I think you go into every year wanting to make the NCAA tournament. Going into last year that was our goal, and this year that's our goal," said Earl, who is entering his fifth season as an assistant after starring as a point guard at Penn State. "Having looked back at (the NIT), for where we're at as a program and the steps that we're taking, I think it was actually more beneficial. You take all that into account, and I'd go with (winning) the NIT championship. Having said that, we want to go to the NCAA tournament this year."

The Nittany Lions will count on a group of experienced juniors to reach that goal, including Talor Battle, who led the Big Ten last season in scoring.

"Our juniors have been through the wars," Earl said. "Talor Battle's started for two years, Andrew Jones started most of the games for two years. Jeff Brooks, David Jackson, (they) have been in games and started, so we do have leadership."

One Nittany Lion that could surprise this season, much like Battle a year ago, is 6-foot-5 guard Chris Babb.

"Chris Babb comes in and scores maybe four or five points and affects the game, but now if he starts being the starter, people might be getting into him," Earl said. "Talor Battle, people now him now. He won't be sneaking up on anyone anymore. Different guys have to step up."

Babb is only a sophomore, however he scored a career-high in points during Penn State's first two NIT wins last year, scoring 11 and 13, respectively.

The Nittany Lions were ranked ninth in the preseason Big Ten poll, which didn't surprise Earl.

"Well we've always been predicted kind of low. Last year we were predicted low as well, so we have no problem with it," Earl said. "We think we can compete with most teams."