Blue White Illustrated

KEEPING IT GOING asir Bolton understands the significance of Penn State's 26- win, NIT championship 2017- 18 season. The Class of 2018 signee, on campus since May 13, watched as Tony Carr ele- vated his play and propelled the Nittany Lions to new heights. He followed along as senior Shep Garner blossomed into one of the nation's best 3-point shooters. He saw the impact of veterans Lamar Stevens, Mike Watkins and Josh Reaves, plus newcomers John Harrar and Jamari Wheeler. But mostly, Bolton envisioned his role in Penn State's brighter future, starting with an NCAA tournament bid. "I would say it's the main goal, really," Bolton said. "We need to come in next season and make the tournament and win games. Just win the big games. They were only a couple of games out this year, so I think we've got to come in and finish those games off. I feel like we should have a good season and make the NCAA tour- nament." Bolton isn't alone – figuratively or lit- erally. His ambitious goals are shared by four additional newcomers that the team is bringing in this off-season. Joining the 6-foot-3, 178-pound point guard are freshman guards Myles Dread, Daniil Kasatkin and Myreon Jones, and the Lions are also welcoming a transfer, Iza- iah Brockington, who spent his freshman season at St. Bonaventure. The newcomers are arriving just as Carr is leaving in hope of launching an NBA career. In addition, seniors Garner and Julian Moore have used up their eligibil- ity, and guard Nazeer Bostick has opted to transfer. That's more upheaval than usual at Penn State, but Chambers, who re- cently agreed to new contract terms that will keep him at PSU through the 2021-22 season, sees a chance to establish stabil- ity. The Nittany Lions have often strug- gled to sustain success, but the combination of returning talent and highly regarded incoming recruits offers an opportunity to change that narrative. Acknowledging the possibility that both Watkins and Stevens will pursue pro careers after the 2018-19 season, Cham- bers said the incoming players will help build on what the team has already ac- complished rather than having to lay a whole new foundation. "This year's team coming up, I really feel good about. And if we do lose a cou- ple of guys after this year, I think we're still set up for the future and beyond. That was the goal," Chambers said. "I want something that is sustainable and New recruiting class eager to help Penn State sustain its recent success | R S P E C I A L S E C T I O N N E W C O M E R S O F I N F L U E N C E FAST STARTER Bolton is expected to compete with re- turnee Jamari Wheeler for the start- ing point guard spot this coming season. Photo by Mark Selders/Penn State Athletics M E N ' S B A S K E T B A L L

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