Blue White Illustrated

2019-20 campaign, that new reality had manifested itself repeatedly. The Nittany Lions got 17 points from Stevens in a season-opening 84-46 win against Maryland Eastern Shore on Nov. 4, but they also got five other double-fig- ure scoring performances from Dread, Jones, Brockington, Mike Watkins and transfer point guard Curtis Jones. Five days later, in a 91-64 victory over Wag- ner, Myreon Jones led all scorers with 14 points, while Stevens, Brockington, Ja- mari Wheeler and true freshman forward Seth Lundy reached double-digits, too. Ranking sixth in the country through the first two weeks of the season with an average of 12 3-pointers per game, the Nittany Lions were making 40 percent of their attempts and, maybe more impor- tant, were taking 30 per game. Proving their versatility, the Lions also produced 28 points in the paint in each of their first three outings, creating the type of matchup problems that Stevens envi- sioned before the season started. "I think we have so many different dy- namic lineups," Stevens said. "But if it ever was to come down to it that we had to match up with a team, we could in any way. We can go big, we can go small, three-point shooters, slashers, and tough rebounding. "We can do so many different lineups, and I think that's what's going to help us win games and match up on days when our shots aren't falling, being able to put in a bigger and better defensive lineup to get stops and rebounds." In the win against the Hoyas, the Nit- tany Lions showcased that potential on both ends of the floor. Complementing its offensive produc- tivity, Penn State also forced 21 turnovers via traps and three-quarter-court presses, totaled 15 steals, equaled the hosts in rebounds at 41 for the game, and saw the rim-protecting Watkins block four shots. It's a formula that the Nittany Lions intend to use throughout the season ahead. "The biggest difference for sure is our depth. We have 11 guys who could seri- ously play and seriously make an impact," Stevens said. "We have a lot of guys who can erupt for 20 points a game. We have guys who can get stops and rebounds. That's the biggest difference for this team. There are so many guys who can play, so many different guys who can start each night and really step up in times that we need it." ■ P enn State landed four players during the early signing period, as Caleb Dorsey, D.J. Gordon, Dallion Johnson and Valdir Manuel all signed their let- ters of intent earlier this month. Dorsey, a 6-foot-7, 200-pound for- ward from The Hill School in Pottstown, helped lead the Rams to the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association state champi- onship and a 19-7 record as a sopho- more. From Westminster, Md., the three-star prospect was the team's only returning starter as a junior and guided it to 16 wins. Dorsey put together a string of double-doubles, including a 10-point, 13-rebound effort in the 2019 PAISAA quarterfinal win over Shipley. "Caleb is a skilled forward who has a high basketball IQ and plays hard at all times," Penn State coach Patrick Chambers said. "He can shoot 3- pointers, get inside, and he has the tal- ent to score and stretch the floor." The No. 2 player in Pennsylvania, Gordon, a 6-5, 175-pound guard from Pittsburgh, averaged 17 points, eight re- bounds, three assists and two steals per game as a junior. In his first national tournament with First Love Christian Academy, the ARS Rescue Rooter Na- tional Hoopfest, Gordon had 22 points and eight rebounds. He received New- comer of the Year honors following his first season with the Knights. "D.J. is a high-level player whose versatility makes him someone I ex- pect to do a little of everything for us," Chambers said. "His athleticism and speed make him an excellent defender, which allows him to get out in transi- tion and attack the rim." Johnson is a 6-3, 175-pound guard who averaged 20.2 points per game as a junior. He played at Phillips Acad- emy in Andover, Mass., for Terrell Ivory, brother of former Penn State standout Titus Ivory. Captain of the Big Blue team for three years, Johnson reached the 1,000-point mark as a junior in only 55 career games and was named the boys' basketball Player of the Year by the Eagle-Tribune. A three-time Eagle- Tribune All-Star, he was only the 10th freshman to earn All-Star accolades in the nearly 50 years the honors have been presented. "Dallion is an elite shooter and has exceptional court vision and leader- ship qualities," Chambers said. "He is used to competing at the highest level." A second-team juco All-American, the 6-8, 210-pound Manuel comes to Penn State from Harcum College, where he was rated by Street & Smith's as a "super soph" for 2019-20. He averaged 14.5 points and 10.5 re- bounds per game as a freshman. Named the best big man in New Jersey in high school, Manuel paired a 1,000- point career total as a junior with 600 career rebounds, as The Patrick School won the New Jersey Tournament of Champions in 2017. Manuel averaged a double-double as a senior, with 20 points and 13 rebounds per game. "Valdir is going to thrive in the Big Ten with his talent and physical abili- ties," Chambers said. "He creates a mismatch no matter who is guarding him and has the skill set to play both inside and on the perimeter." ■ Four players join PSU's program in early signing period

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