Penn State Scouting Report

The time of beating up on poor low majors is almost over and we get a peak into conference play as Purdue heads to Penn State. Purdue is on an eight game win streak versus the Nittany Lions but this years matchup could be different.

For Penn State, they return their four best players and add Yanic Konan Niederhauser to solidify the center position. Ace Baldwin and Zach Hicks should rightfully get a lot of the headlines with Baldwin's elite passing and Hicks hot shooting start. Additionally, the other starters average double figures to make this team a real NCAA tournament contender.

Penn State Offense

The bread and butter of Penn State utilizes Baldwin, Hicks/Johnson, and Niederhauser/Nzeh together in Spain action. Which just means a pick and roll with a third person standing behind the roller and slipping out to the three point line. With Niederhauser putting vertical pressure with his lob catching and Hicks demanding attention, it creates space for Baldwin to make good decisions.

One of their favorite actions are this 77 action (two screeners) with the first "ghost" screen moving out to the wing and the corner player, usually Hicks or Johnson, sprinting to the top of the key for a spot up three.

Their other favorite action starts with a stagger screen that opens space for an empty side ballscreen with Ace Baldwin.

All of these actions are used to get Penn State downhill. The Nittany Lions want to continously attack the rim with a drive and kick style that will test Purdue to contain the ball. Otherwise, Penn State will get paint touches where they are great at 45 cuts (cuts from the wing), kicking for threes, or putting the ball in the bucket.

Penn State Defense

Penn State has an elite turnover defense, ranking ninth in turnover rate. Analytically, the biggest sign of improvement has been the Penn State becoming average at limiting offensive rebounds and free throws, up from last season's Nittany Lions.

Their ability to force turnovers comes from their aggressive style, often jumping ball handlers by sending another defender and the help defense trying to anticipate passes.

Against Purdue and Braden Smith, I will be focused on how Penn State guards the pick and roll. They normally play a hard hedge but with TKR thriving in the short roll as both a scorer and passer, I wouldn't be surprised to see Penn State try to get creative.

The post defense will be another interesting area. Penn State doesn't have much frontcourt depth so I wouldn't be shocked if they send help versus post ups. I expect the guards to try to attack the dribble to force Purdue's post players into turnovers.

Key Players

#1 - Ace Baldwin

He's a great guard in his second season at Penn State. On offense he wants to be a playmaker first but will get aggressive if Purdue allows him to drive left. His aggressiveness is heightened the more he succeeds so Purdue's early defense will be important.

#14 - Yanic Konan Niederhauser

He is the only Penn State rotation player above 6'9" and plays a big role on both sides of the floor. He has to stay out of foul trouble to bolster Penn State's rebounding and add rim protection. He is a great play finisher that already has 22 dunks this season.

#24 - Zach Hicks

He is the certified shooter for Penn State. He has attempted 19 two pointers compared to 48 threes. If Purdue can take Hicks out of the game, it could be the difference in the game.

Purdue's Gameplan

I am not a Purdue coach (sad), so this is just what I would do to attack Penn State.

1. Spam the pick and roll, get the ball to TKR in the short roll and let him make decisions.

2. Be opportunistic in transition and take advantage of Penn State matching up lethargically

3. Test Ace Baldwin on defense by cutting and driving

   1. He plays a ton, make him work on defense to reduce his offense

4. Win the three point line