Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1063223
man John Harrar earned his first career starts and notched seven points and 12 re- bounds in Penn State's 82-66 victory against the Utes in the title game. In retrospect, those were relatively manageable challenges for Watkins. Last June, police performed a search of his apartment looking for a possible un- registered firearm but instead found mar- ijuana paraphernalia in the form of a metal grinder containing residue, as well as three stray bullets. Still rehabilitating from the knee injury, Watkins was then cited on Sept. 29 for disorderly conduct after an altercation at a local McDonald's. Just days after news of the September incident broke, Watkins revealed a major source of his off-court struggles. In an as-told-to post appearing in a blog oper- ated by Philadelphia basketball mentor Delgreco K. Wilson, Watkins discussed at length "the role depression and bipolar disorder have played" in his off-the- court difficulties. Acknowledging his shortcomings, the challenges of his up- bringing, and even a June hospitalization after he "expressed some suicidal ideations," Watkins shouldered responsi- bility and apologized for his actions. Finding respite on the hardwood, he con- tinued to practice with his teammates throughout the summer, into the presea- son and, eventually, the start of the Nittany Lions' 2018-19 campaign. However, he was not permitted to play in games at first. Through Penn State's opener against Jacksonville State into games against North Florida, DePaul, Wright State and Bradley, Watkins accompanied the team in all of its FANTASTIC CUISINE EXCEP TIONAL ATMOSPHERE Colleg W ve Av . College & Cato carnegieinnandspa.com | 814.234.2424 Corner of C Corner of Cricklewood Dr. and Toftrees Ave. carnegieinnandspa.com | 814.234.2424 . Colleg W. College & Cato 814.861.3463 gigisdining.com ve Av . College & Cato 814.861.3463 gigisdining.com Penn State senior center Satchel Pierce has decided to withdraw from the university and will not return to the program. Pierce saw action in 24 games during the 2017-18 season a9er sitting out the 2016-17 campaign to comply with NCAA transfer rules. A Barberton, Ohio, native who spent two seasons at Virginia Tech before joining the Nit- tany Lions, Pierce had a Penn State ca- reer-best 11 points in 15 minutes of playing time vs. Columbia and six re- bounds vs. Oral Roberts during non- conference action in November 2017. In other roster news, freshman guard Kyle McCloskey, who transferred to Penn State earlier this year, is now eli- gible to participate in competition. Hailing from Lower Gwynedd, Pa., McCloskey played football at Villanova in 2017, starting two games at quarter- back. He was a two-sport athlete at Germantown Academy. ■ Senior center withdraws from Penn State