Greatness

by ReadingRambler on Dec 29, 2009 11:01 PM EST

We lost tonight.

But as I was watching the game, I realized that I was watching not just out of hope for a victory, but because Talor Battle is now my favorite Penn State player in any sport.

He's not perfect. The free throw shooting is...frustrating at times. He doesn't hit every shot, but I can't help but love watching him play.

Battle is the only Penn State player who has actually made me look forward to basketball games as I do for football games. "What will happen tonight? Crazy layup in traffic? Long 3s he shot from Ho Chi Minh City?"

So. If you're not watching Penn State basketball games, I implore you to do so. Will you be frustrated (You are frustrated by our football games, aren't you?) at times? Oh, yes. But I assure you that there is nothing like yelling "No! No! No! YES YES HOLY [expletive] YES" as Battle hits from God-Knows-Where. You will know you are witnessing greatness. It's pretty fun too.

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Oh, and Ed:

Please get the guy some friggen’ rest.

"Jamelle Cornley is 6’4", and 6’3" of it is balls." - RUTS

by ReadingRambler on Dec 29, 2009 11:03 PM EST reply actions

couldn't've said it better myself.

NittanyWhiteOut.com. Arguably the second best Penn State blog I know of.

by PSUdevon on Dec 29, 2009 11:05 PM EST up reply actions

very nice

"A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week. "
George S Patton

by psu in the w-b on Dec 29, 2009 11:06 PM EST reply actions

You always have a chance with #12 on your team

He may miss a shot or two or have a bad game, but I never want to see him lose the confidence that he has. That’s what separates him from other players. That long 3 pointer he hit today, normally people only shoot from there with the shot clock running out, but that is how confident he is in his game. People can lead in different ways, and maybe he isn’t the most outspoken player, but he definitely can be a great leader with his actions on the court.

by mundyscorner99 on Dec 29, 2009 11:08 PM EST reply actions

True.

I love what he does on the court.

But maybe it’s just me, and it could be, but I don’t see him doing much leading in a huddle or anything.

Does he rally the troops and say “come guys let’s do this” like Jamelle did? I remember Jamelle had to pull him to the side a few times last year and be the leader, even though Battle was almost always outscoring him.

I’m really asking, not trying to point fingers. He’s a great player and has been amazing to watch.

Computers rank me number 1, blame the BCS...it's their fault.-Joe Budden

by OMEGAMAN on Dec 29, 2009 11:12 PM EST up reply actions

I don't know

Battle seems to be the quiet player who lets his play do his talking. I’d prefer the Cornley way, but it’s not something I complain about.

Something, or someone, kept this team in the game tonight.

"Jamelle Cornley is 6’4", and 6’3" of it is balls." - RUTS

by ReadingRambler on Dec 29, 2009 11:15 PM EST up reply actions

I really hope that he doesn't leave after this year (if he's even remotely thinking of it)

I truly believe that this team is really close to being great. After a year of experience plus a great prospect in Buie I think can put is in serious contention for a big ten title. We are so close in all of these games we are losing. I think Edwards is going to be very special and I think that Jones and Brooks are continuing to improve, albeit slowly.

As stated above, Talor Battle gives us at least a chance in literally any game we will play this year. If/when the rest of these guys step up, we could be very good. To throw in the ol cliche, I dunno what “it” is, but he sure as hell has “it.” Even in times where he may miss a clutch shot, it is usually because of him that we were in that position to begin with.

Anyways, that is how I see it. Great post.

Black Shoes. Basic Blues. No Name. All Game.

"Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth."

by Roland86 on Dec 29, 2009 11:50 PM EST reply actions

Hmm

Well, I’m not that optimistic. I’m not sure how much improvement is in the works for Brooks and Jones and I feel confident in saying Michigan State will win the Big Ten next year (And I think they’ll make the Final Four again), with OSU or Purdue or Minnesota in second. The Big Ten will be even better next year. But if we don’t at least make the tourney with a senior Battle, I’d say the pressure will mount on Captain Ed.

"Jamelle Cornley is 6’4", and 6’3" of it is balls." - RUTS

by ReadingRambler on Dec 30, 2009 12:09 AM EST up reply actions

I guess I should have qualified it a bit

But no, I don’t expect to win a big ten title or make a final four. I think it is entirely possible though, even if it is not very likely. I agree that if we don’t make the tourney next year Ed’s position should be re-examined, not that I haven’t appreciated what he has done.

Black Shoes. Basic Blues. No Name. All Game.

"Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth."

by Roland86 on Dec 30, 2009 12:35 AM EST up reply actions

I would think Battle will want to come back next year to, if nothing else, be able to play together with his (half-)brother. Though I suppose if his NBA stock is high, he could jump.

by Laaaaazzz on Dec 30, 2009 12:36 AM EST up reply actions

I remember an article from when Buie verballed

and Buie was quoted as flat out asking Battle if Buie came to Penn State was there any chance he (battle) would leave early for the league. So I really think there is no chance that he leaves early.

Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face

by psupride on Dec 30, 2009 8:47 AM EST up reply actions

Battle's not big enough anyway

"Jamelle Cornley is 6’4", and 6’3" of it is balls." - RUTS

by ReadingRambler on Dec 30, 2009 9:42 AM EST up reply actions

Neither was Allen Iverson or Stephen Curry or Nate Robinson.

Not to say that Battle is Iverson. But I think there has been a few more smaller guys come into the league recently, and Battle is quite talented.

I think he’ll at least get a shot. He likely won’t play for years and years, but he should at least get a chance. You can’t change height, but he has added some bulk since he’s been here and who knows if he can add even more before he leaves this place.

Black Shoes. Basic Blues. No Name. All Game.

"Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth."

by Roland86 on Dec 30, 2009 2:52 PM EST up reply actions

you go from insanity to eloquence within a heartbeat

what meds are you on?

by Mr. Rosewater on Dec 29, 2009 11:52 PM EST reply actions

Codfish oil

"Jamelle Cornley is 6’4", and 6’3" of it is balls." - RUTS

by ReadingRambler on Dec 30, 2009 12:06 AM EST up reply actions

i was thinking

more along the lines of lithium or mercury=/

We have little tranquility but tons of tranquilizers.

by mikeissurreal on Dec 30, 2009 1:09 AM EST up reply actions

there's mercury in fish oil

by Mr. Rosewater on Dec 30, 2009 1:57 AM EST up reply actions

My Pop

used to drive a Mercury.

by DerryPharmer on Dec 30, 2009 8:16 AM EST reply actions

Best part of the game last night

I don’t know if anyone else noticed, but every time Battle drove or had an open 3, before he shot the ball or as he was making a move the entire Minnesota crowd made a collective noise, or at times it almost sounded like they were cheering. It was like even they realized how amazing he was and had to pay their respect.

Or maybe I’m crazy and imagined that.

by STU Boy on Dec 30, 2009 9:15 AM EST reply actions

I really thought we would win when they started an airball chant

How arrogant of them.

"Jamelle Cornley is 6’4", and 6’3" of it is balls." - RUTS

by ReadingRambler on Dec 30, 2009 9:43 AM EST up reply actions

They were chanting

“Battle, Battle, Battle…” every time he had the ball in his hands

by psuquinn on Dec 30, 2009 9:49 AM EST up reply actions

I'm speaking specifically of set of series

Westbrook came down and drained an incredible 3 over Battle. Then Battle came off a screen and had a wide open look at the top of the key, and at that moment the crowd all at the same time made a groan like “Shit, we let the wrong guy open,” and Battle drained it.

Then Westbrook hit another 3 on the next possession, and Battle got the ball, made a real nice move and couldn’t quite finish with his left. As he was driving, the crowd kinda got loud again and started almost cheering when he made his move to get into the paint. I don’t know how to explain it.

by STU Boy on Dec 30, 2009 10:23 AM EST up reply actions

I heard the same thing

There was definitely a collective groan from the crowd when Battle was about to shoot.

by mundyscorner99 on Dec 30, 2009 10:26 AM EST up reply actions

I don't remember the cheering part as much though

by mundyscorner99 on Dec 30, 2009 10:27 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah

I don’t know how to explain it. It wasn’t a cheer. But it wasn’t a groan or a boo. It just got real loud, and it was like they didn’t know whether to cheer to boo because they realized what this guy was doing. I really don’t know how to explain it. Not too big of a deal anyway, just something that stuck out to me.

by STU Boy on Dec 30, 2009 10:39 AM EST up reply actions