Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/78629
› M E N ' S B A S K E T B A L L play one game, and he was in the top three [of our practice statistics] almost every day, when he wasn't hurt. So I'm excited for our future." Chambers said Newbill's talents are formidable. He's quick on the floor with or without the ball in his hands, can get to the rack at will, commands plen- ty of attention from opponents to free up his teammates, and developed re- liable midrange and 3-point shots this past season. For a program that finished 11th in the conference in scor- ing offense, averaging only 61.8 points per game during the 2011-12 season, Newbill's scoring ability could make a world of difference. Throw in his intangibles – toughness, an extremely hard work ethic, a win- ner's mentality and strong leader- ship ability – and he has the potential to join Frazier as an All-Big Ten selec- tion next season, Chambers said. Though unable to utilize his talents when it counted, Newbill approached each practice like it was a game. Chambers made the most of his bud- ding star's ability, pitting him against Frazier nearly every day. "I would go hard and just try to get myself better and get my teammates better for when we have to play," New- bill said. "I think the guys liked that, especially Tim. He definitely wanted me to come out my hardest and get ready for the next game. He's going to have a tough matchup every game, so a lot of guys like that to get them better while I'm getting myself better." The pairing worked marvelously. Frazier and Newbill fed off each other, competing not only in on-the- floor live action, but also in every drill. "They would go at it," Chambers said. THE SHOE FITS Newbill spent a season at Southern Miss, and won Conference USA All-Freshman notice before deciding to relocate closer to his Philadelphia home. He sat out last season while waiting to become eligible in 2012-13. Mark Selders T E O N L I N E . C O M J U N E 2 8 , 2 0 1 2 21 "You just have two of your best play- ers going at it and competing on every possession, and I would say get- ting after one another. We don't take it easy on those guys, because that's not reality. They get after each other and they push each other and they drive each other. That's what they did for most of the year." Though the competition was good for both players, for Newbill, the time away from the court didn't come without consequences. As the Lions struggled in Big Ten play, losing eight of nine at one point,