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PENN STATE'S CLASS OF 2013 NAME POS HT WT HOME SCHOOL Payton Banks SF 6-5 215 Orange, Calif. Lutheran Julian Moore PF 6-10 220 Fort Washington, Pa. Germantown Academy Geno Thorpe PG 6-3 175 Shaler, Pa. Shaler Area Graham Woodward PG 6-0 165 Edina, Minn. Edina BASKETBALL NOTEBOOK Frazier granted 6th year of eligibility It's official. Tim Frazier is coming back for a sixth year. Penn State announced on April 24 that the senior point guard, who tore his left Achilles tendon just minutes into the fourth game of this past season, was granted a medical hardship waiver by the NCAA. That means the Big Ten's second-leading scorer in 2011-12 will FRAZIER have one more season in a Nittany Lion uniform. "Tim has shown tremendous will, perseverance and leadership as he continues his rehabilitation from a very tough injury," head coach Patrick Chambers said. "He is doing very well. We are thrilled for him that he will have the opportunity to finish his career strong and again place himself among the top players in the nation." Frazier, a native of Houston, will join guards D.J. Newbill and Jermaine Marshall as three legitimate scoring threats next season. The trio gives Penn State the top three returning scorers in the conference. Frazier scored 18.8 points per game in his last full season, while Newbill and Marshall averaged 16.3 and 15.3 points, respectively, in 2012-13. According to a university news re- lease, Frazier is still recovering from the November surgery to repair his tendon, but he was running and jumping rope in April. By midsummer, he is expected to be able to participate fully in Penn State's off-season conditioning and practice program. A three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, Frazier earned his degree in May in supply chain and information systems from the Smeal College of Business and will work toward a second major in communications beginning this summer. Chambers promotes new strength coach Patrick Chambers announced on April 15 that Brandon Spayd will oversee the Nittany Lions' strength and conditioning program. Spayd had been an assistant for three seasons with the men's and women's strength programs. A Juniata College graduate and four-year starter at strong safety for the school's football team, he will be in charge of developing and implementing the Lions' year-round training program. "Brandon has been a valuable member of our program since day one, and we are excited for him to take on a bigger role," Chambers said. "He brings terrific energy, passion and knowledge to our strength and conditioning program and has an outstanding relationship with our players and staff." Brad Pantall, a former Penn State football player who had overseen the men's strength program for seven seasons, will continue to lead the Lady Lion program. "I would like to thank Brad Pantall for his valuable contributions to the Nittany Lion basketball program," Chambers said. "He is an excellent coach and a true professional." Forward and guard announce transfers Sophomore forward Patrick Ackerman and freshman guard Akosa Maduegbunam have been granted a release to transfer, Patrick Chambers reported on April 10. "As I do every year, I talked with each of our players at the end of the season to evaluate where they are and to set a course for success in their future," Chambers said. "Patrick and Akosa have decided to seek opportunities elsewhere. First and foremost, we want what is best for our student-athletes. We thank Patrick and Akosa for their contribution to our program, wish them the very best and will try to assist them in any way we can." Ackerman played in 13 games in 2012-13, scoring eight total points and grabbing three rebounds while averaging 4.4 minutes per game. Maduegbunam made 14 appearances in his debut season with eight points and three rebounds while logging 3.8 minutes per game.

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