Published: October 28, 2009 11:41 pm      

Penn St. will need Battle to win war

STATE COLLEGE — Talor Battle returned to Penn State an inch taller than last season with a more toned upper body.

Good thing, too: The 6-foot point guard may need to shoulder a bigger load if the Nittany Lions want to return to the NCAA tournament a year after winning the NIT.

Battle is already Penn State’s leading returning scorer (16.7 points per game) and passer (5.0 assists), and second-leading returning rebounder (5.3).

The goal for Happy Valley’s do-everything go-to guy: Prove to the naysayers that the Nittany Lions aren’t going away.

“I think we need to have another successful season so it’s not one of those one-hit wonder things and the program really is on the rise,” Battle said.

A fitting answer from an energetic player who has the hops to wiggle his frame through big men in the post for layups or last-second dishes to open teammates. Battle also has the range to knock down 3-pointers with a defender in his face.

They are the kinds of plays he made on an almost nightly basis during what passes for a dream season last year for Penn State (27-11, 10-8 Big Ten): A school record for wins culminating with a five-game postseason dash through the NIT.

Lofty heights for a program that had been viewed for much of its recent history as perpetually rebuilding, lost in the giant shadow of the popular football team.

But gradually, coach Ed DeChellis has pieced together an entertaining team at his alma mater headlined by Battle. The roster is quicker, deeper and more talented than when DeChellis took over seven season ago, with players to finally consistently compete with – and beat – league headliners like Michigan State and Illinois.

Yet there’s one glaring hole on DeChellis’ resume: the Nittany Lions haven’t been to the NCAA tournament during his tenure. In fact, they haven’t been since 2001, when DeChellis was coaching at East Tennessee State.

“I think we have a sense of confidence about our team (from) last year, toughness,” DeChellis said. “I think a lot of our colleagues recognize where we’ve been and where we’ve come. Now we’ve got unfinished work to do.”

Despite tying for fourth in the Big Ten, Penn State didn’t make the NCAAs in large part because of a weak nonconference schedule.

DeChellis hopes that problem has been solved. A November tournament that includes South Carolina and Miami in Charleston, S.C., is on the schedule, along with December contests versus Virginia Tech and Virginia.

Emotional leader and four-year starting forward Jamelle Cornley (14.4 points) is gone, so Battle takes over as the unquestioned pace-setter on a team with no seniors.

Gritty forward David Jackson and center Andrew Jones (5.7 rebounds), both juniors, made strides last season and will have to pick up the scoring load up front, along with athletic but inconsistent reserve forward Jeff Brooks.

It’s in the backcourt, though, where Penn State may have the biggest hole to fill with two-year starting guard Stanley Pringle (12.8 points) gone.

DeChellis also loses veteran sharpshooter Danny Morrissey.

There are options to play Battle’s running mate depending on what kind of tempo Penn State wants: 6-foot-5 Chris Babb provides 3-point range, while speedy freshman Tim Frazier is Battle’s heir apparent at the point. The

6-foot-1 Frazier also won a preseason dunk contest.

There’s little doubt, though, that Battle makes this team tick.

“He talks a lot – but in a good way,” Jackson said with a chuckle. “He’s always getting everybody amped up, ready to go.”