Penn State Wins the NIT Championship
by BSD on Apr 2, 2009 9:45 PM EDT
in Basketball
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PrintI never thought I would see the day when Penn State would ever win any kind of championship in men's basketball. I still can't believe it.
All of the hardships. The losses. The injuries. The transfers. They are all part of the past now. Penn State basketball has officially turned the corner, and we are blowing down the back stretch. I'm not foolish enough to say Penn State is a national powerhouse, but today they took a huge step in standing up in front of the nation and putting everyone on notice that the days of Penn State basketball as a national punchline are over.
Thank you to Jamelle Cornley, Stanley Pringle, and Danny Morrissey, three seniors that will always be remembered for their contributions during this great season and their overall careers. Morrissey deserves special recognition as his Penn State career came to a premature end late in the second half when he suffered a mouth injury while diving to prevent the ball from going out of bounds. His final play symbolized the very effort he gave throughout his entire career. While his play was often the scorn of Penn State fans, his heart and hustle could never be denied, and the Penn State family owes him a tremendous thank you. And maybe some new front teeth.
How wonderful is it to see Jamelle Cornley walk off a winner in Madison Square Garden. He injured his shoulder just moments after Morrissey's injury. But in typical Cornley fashion, he played through it. What a warrior. After the game he embraced Battle and the cameras caught him saying something to the effect of "This is your team now. It's your job to keep this going."
And as Penn State fans, it's our job to keep this going as well. Over the past several years I've heard a lot of people say they'll become Penn State basketball fans when the team starts winning. Well, the team just won. They did their part. Now it's time for us to do ours. Penn State fans filled 36 busses to drive six hours to support their team on a work/school night. There is no reason why the Jordan Center can't be sold out for every home game next year. None. Do your jobs.
Congrats to Ed and team. The 2009 NIT Champions. WE ARE!!!
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PENN STATE
I concur to your statements, Mike. I hope that this will keep going even though I know next season with the absence of the seniors there will be tough moments. But Talor and the boys know that we got their back: the football team, Joe, Nittany Nation, all of the PSU family. And we will continue the climb to the rest of the promised land.
Live your life. Have fun. Do what you gotta do.
No longer "on the bubble"
How about “proud supporters of the NIT champs”
This is our most desperate hour. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi; you're my only hope.
awesome job, guys!
What a great way to go into spring ball!
I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member
from the NIT website
http://www.nit.org/sports/m-nit/recaps/040209aab.html
“Super sophomore Talor Battle added 12 points, all in the second half, for the Nittany Lions (27-11), who were spurred on by raucous chants of "We are … Penn State,” led by none other than Joe Paterno, the 82-year-old football coach sitting about four rows behind the team’s bench."
What a guy!
"I'm driven by greatness" - Derrick Williams
From the ESPN article
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=290920213
The dramatic change in momentum infuriated Baylor coach Scott Drew, who stared down one of the referees after a foul and then violently threw his jacket behind his team’s bench, drawing a quick technical foul and putting his team in too deep a hole to dig out.
gotta love revisionist history :-p
I saw that...
what bullshit… they may as well have said the dude pulled a knife on the ref and then slapped his mama. The media rules.
I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member
by TheMightyErik on Apr 2, 2009 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Where does it say "violently"?
“As the momentum began to turn, Drew got the ire of one of the officials after staring him down following a foul. When the young coach threw his jacket behind his team’s bench, he earned a quick technical foul that only gave Penn State some more juice.”
I just pasted this from the linked article – I don’t see any other reference.
"You are a tenacious little monkey!"
looks like they again revised history ;-)
what is in my comment was the original text in that article
by The JuggerNitt on Apr 3, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I'll vouch
I read the original article as well, and remember it saying “violently threw”. I thought the same thing as you about the revisionist history.
"...You know, Reemer, someday I'm gonna own a big sports bar."
Wow
Can’t wait to see the ovation at the spring game.
God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...
Well said
As a person who really didn’t care about PSU basketball a few months ago. I’m happy to say that I am extremely proud of what these guys have accomplished, and glad they could go out together on top (of the NIT).
Can we get a siren?
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BITCH!
by PennStateBasketball on Apr 2, 2009 10:24 PM EDT reply actions
+1
After Cornley injured his shoulder at the end, he sunk two free throws. Simply f******** Amazing!
Sa Da Tay, Hoochie Ma
You Know, it was appropriate
It was 2 short years ago that I sat down in early November 2007 to listen to Penn State’s first game of the season on the radio because it wasn’t televised because we sucked.
A year and a half later, I listened to Steve Jones describe the cutting down of the nets in the Garden.
Wow.
God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...
by Adam Bittner on Apr 2, 2009 10:30 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
This is a wonderful shot, he deserves it.
This is our most desperate hour. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi; you're my only hope.
About five years ago...
…I was living in Plymouth Meeting with three other guys, one of them a huge PSU fan. So we ordered the ESPN GamePlan for basketball season and watched the team go 1-15 in the conference. When we broke 25 points in the first half, it was no less than a miracle. So this year’s run, even if it’s in the NIT, means a lot to those of us who have been keeping an eye on this team for more than a year or two.
"Never. We would never shoot nuclear weapons at Decepticons." -- Gen. Jack Jacobs
by Run Up The Score on Apr 3, 2009 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Thank you Morrissey
I may be in the minority as a big Morrissey fan at times, and I’ll be the first to admit he sometimes makes mistakes, but I’m really happy for him to make some serious clutch 3’s in his last game to give PSU the working margin it never relinguished. Get Well Soon Danny!!!
Thanks again to all the Seniors for a great season. Nothing wrong with having a 5 game winning streak for the next 7 months!
by mundyscorner99 on Apr 2, 2009 10:31 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
You are NOT in the minority
Just because I made a ton of jokes at his expense, I have tons of respect for that man. He could have transferred, but he stuck through it when times were tough. +1 to the Assassin.
"Breaststroke, free style," Rubin said of his technique, "Let’s see Phelps do that one."
by ReadingRambler on Apr 2, 2009 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions
That's poorly phrased
Just becauseEven though I made a ton of jokes at his expense, I have tons of respect for that man.
There we go
"Breaststroke, free style," Rubin said of his technique, "Let’s see Phelps do that one."
by ReadingRambler on Apr 2, 2009 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I kinda liked
that you have tons of respect, just because you made a ton of jokes at his expense.
Gives insight into the rambling mind of the Rambler….
Agreed
Plus dealing with injuries and loss of playing time, I think he fought hard all season. He didn’t need to dive for that ball but he wanted to put it all on the line.
by mundyscorner99 on Apr 2, 2009 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions
STRUGGLEBUS NOW PIMPED OUT AND VICTORIOUS AT LAST
"Breaststroke, free style," Rubin said of his technique, "Let’s see Phelps do that one."
by ReadingRambler on Apr 2, 2009 10:45 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
PSU basketball
Hey folks, it’s the NIT! We are now the 66 best basketball team in the nation. Do you think Kentucky would be celebrating tonight if it were KU that won the NIT? This is a good start only if DeC can recruit premo players. He hasn’t shown that yet.
There it is
I knew someone would point out we basically just won the special olympics.
We’re not Kentucky. We have different standards. This was a significant step for a team that was getting blown out by 40 points every night a few years ago.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
who let Debbie Downer in?
It may just be the NIT but there were some quality teams in the Tourney that Penn State beat. And I bet Kentucky would be celebrating a NIT championship this year because they couldn’t even make it to MSG.
"I'm driven by greatness" - Derrick Williams
Wow
Really dude?
You know what? We’re not f***ing Kentucky. We’re Penn State, and we’ve never done anything like this before, so you can take your little pity party elsewhere. Its not a “good start”. The good start took place before just about anyone was watching. It took place while there were 2000 people in the BJC every night and no one gave a crap about this team.
This is a big step in the road. I was one of the biggest critics (actually, THE biggest critic) of Curley after we missed the field, but things worked out just fine. Kentucky wouldn’t have celebrated a first or second round exit in the NCAA either, which is what would have happened to us, so just shut up, play the fight song, buy the t-shit, ogle the trophy, and be proud.
By the way. Talor Battle and Jamelle Cornley are “premo” players
God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...
by Adam Bittner on Apr 2, 2009 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Do you think people want to hear your defeatist crap?
Our kids weren’t given the chance to go to the tourny, so the won the NIT. Can’t you be happy about that? Proud of our kids for winning the highest acheivement they were allowed to compete for? Say what you want about schedule, that team deserved a shot at the tourny based on their performance, and when they were denied they won every game they could.
This type of comment is so silly.
Go root for Kentucky if you think the NIT is beneath us, because it isn’t. You have to walk before you can run. Winning the NIT does a lot for this team, and giving our seniors the recognition for their work and effort is fantastic.
"We hugged as grown men do. It was a great moment. Then, it was business as usual." -- LJ Sr.
When we do make the tournament, you shouldn’t be allowed to ride the bandwagon.
"Breaststroke, free style," Rubin said of his technique, "Let’s see Phelps do that one."
by ReadingRambler on Apr 2, 2009 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions
onto the strugglebus!
This is our most desperate hour. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi; you're my only hope.
Here's a good pic if any more trolls get on:
And yes, this is my first post too, but I figured there wouldn’t be a better intro for me than us winning the NIT! w00t!
WE ARE!
@#!*@! It won't work.
Obviously I need better links. Regardless, coming from one of the seniors at Penn State, it’s great to take it all in. Basketball was indeed a punchline at my frat (Triangle), so winning this is surreal.
This is an article with a video attatched, it has the post game on the floor interview with Ed and Cornley
watch half way through
This is our most desperate hour. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi; you're my only hope.
Mondesi's House
Congratulations to the Penn State Nittany Lions, which became college basketball’s 66th-best team by winning the NIT last night. The highlight of the game had to be when Baylor’s coach got a technical for tossing his jacket to a team manager. [ESPN]
And yours truly’s response:
Go ahead Mondesi, laugh your ass off. You didn’t see me throwing stones after Pitt lost because they did something this year that they haven’t done in a long time, and they deserved to not have an asshole Penn State fan rub salt in their wounds, so its pretty lame of you to be an asshole yourself and pis on our accomplishments. This team lost an exhibition game to Shippensburg a year and a half ago, and couldn’t even find their way onto the BTN, and tonight they cut down the nets at the Garden.
So laugh all you want, but at the end of the day, we get to ogle a shiny trophy, buy some t-shirts, and play “We Are the Champions” for the next six months while you pis away your time wondering what could have been if not for Scottie Reynolds.
We’re no powerhouse, but maybe just maybe, a sleeping giant was awakened tonight…
We Are Penn State.
God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...
by Adam Bittner on Apr 2, 2009 11:21 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Agreed
I’ve been getting similar trash talk from my Pitt friends as well. They are just bitter about how their season ended and are trying to rain on the parade. When they start playing April basketball or win anything of significance, maybe they can talk. Let’s take our momentum into next season with the 2nd longest winning streak in the nation!
Thank you Cornley, Morrissey, Pringle for a great season.
by mundyscorner99 on Apr 2, 2009 11:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Addendum
On the sleeping giant front, Talor Battle’s half brother, Taran Buie, ranked the #37 prospect in the country, committed to Penn State tonight on the team bus leaving Madison Square Garden.
If I was a Pitt fan, I’d tell ya’ll to suck one, but since I’m a Penn State fan, and he hasn’t done anything on the court yet, I’m going to reserve judgment.
Regardless, another step forward…another step closer to kicking your ass.
We Are Penn State.
God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...
by Adam Bittner on Apr 3, 2009 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Now that basketball season is over in PA (except for 'Nova)
Pitt fans have nothing but another 4 win season playing in front of half-empty stadiums on Thursday nights to look forward to.
Pitt ain’t fit to carry our sweaty jocks to the laundry room.
Our season lasted longer than theirs.
"Never. We would never shoot nuclear weapons at Decepticons." -- Gen. Jack Jacobs
by Run Up The Score on Apr 3, 2009 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions
A MESSAGE:
Dear everyone who didn’t attend a game in person this year,
GET OFF YOUR FUCKING COUCHES AND MAKE A TRIP TO STATE COLLEGE TO SEE THIS TEAM PLAY NEXT SEASON. I get that it’s hard to get to State College on a weekday if you live in Philly or DC or whatever. But they also play on Saturdays, and there are hotels open on Saturdays, and BARS ARE OPEN ON SATURDAY TOO.
Lots of love on this board, lets show some love by buying a freaking ticket or two, people.
by Tailgate Shogun on Apr 2, 2009 11:26 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Do I get a pass for living in California?
by whiteoutonly on Apr 2, 2009 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions
DENIED!
Kansas seems close enough.
Or not. Fine.
by Tailgate Shogun on Apr 3, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions
You're right.
Guilty as charged. Hopefully time and money, plus a little extra effort on my part, will get me and two of my three redheads (the boy will only be two and not really appreciate everything) up to the BJC for a game.
Yeah. I live in South Carolina...
I do make it back up to PA once a season for a football game though,
by LowcountryLion on Apr 3, 2009 7:19 AM EDT up reply actions
DENIED!
Let the lease run out for spring. Back in the fall.
by Tailgate Shogun on Apr 3, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I hope PSU puts together a highlight video for this season
It would be great to have something to recap everything.
I concur
If there’s anyone who has the material/know-how, please do this. And maybe even a CORNLEY SMASH video…
"Breaststroke, free style," Rubin said of his technique, "Let’s see Phelps do that one."
by ReadingRambler on Apr 2, 2009 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Thinking about where this program has come from
to where it is now is a huge step forward. I remember just a few years ago there would be road games at OSU or MSU and they would start off being down like 38-9 or something like that and it was just unwatchable because they were totally non-competitive. Or having to play zone all game long and watching 3 after 3 go in from whoever we played because we had no size. I’m not sure if this will lead to something bigger or if this was a one shot deal to win something but it has been an awesome season to follow.
I could make a case
That they were probably the worst BCS program over the past 7 years since the Sweet 16 run. There will always be haters out there saying that winning the NIT doesn’t mean much, but this whole season is huge for building a program. Hopefully Ed can continue to bring in some recruits to keep it going.
by mundyscorner99 on Apr 2, 2009 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Penn State #66... excellent
Congratulations on the victory! JoePa just finished 66th in Men’s Hoops. Thanks for winning Not In the Tournament.
Go GREEN! Michigan State will win the national NCAA Title!
With the first ever college football podcast, the Enlightened Spartan brings the beauty of Michigan State Spartan athletics to the masses!
by enlightenedspartan on Apr 2, 2009 11:45 PM EDT reply actions
I will gladly take your backhanded compliment.
It may be tough for a squad that lost to the 66th best team at home, but I think they can win it! Go Sparty!
If We Didn't Walk Into Your Building And Beat You
I could take you seriously.
God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...
by Adam Bittner on Apr 2, 2009 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
WIN
"Breaststroke, free style," Rubin said of his technique, "Let’s see Phelps do that one."
by ReadingRambler on Apr 3, 2009 12:26 AM EDT up reply actions
BURRRRRRRRRRRRN!
Hey, he “prefers the sly wit and banter” of other Penn State blogs. Maybe we aren’t able to comprehend his jokes.
"Never. We would never shoot nuclear weapons at Decepticons." -- Gen. Jack Jacobs
by Run Up The Score on Apr 3, 2009 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
yes, but isn't that the point.
I have to be highbrowed in the rest of my life, can’t I just have a little fun
This is our most desperate hour. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi; you're my only hope.
by psu on Apr 3, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
I actually spend the majority of my time
Photoshopping kittens so it looks like they’re pooping… since, ya know, kittens don’t actually poop in real life.
I bleed Blue and White.
by Horse N Buggy on Apr 3, 2009 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I can't believe you guys lost to the #66 team in the nation
You must really suck.
This is our most desperate hour. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi; you're my only hope.
by psu on Apr 2, 2009 11:57 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
WIN
"Breaststroke, free style," Rubin said of his technique, "Let’s see Phelps do that one."
by ReadingRambler on Apr 3, 2009 12:30 AM EDT up reply actions
I still think I want MSU to win this weekend.
MSU ain’t scUM. And if Sparty wins twice, we’ll be able to say we beat the National Champions. On their home floor. When was the last time our men’s team could make that claim?
Also, if MSU wins out, all of a sudden these “experts” that want to degrade the Big Ten won’t look so fucking bright if the Big Ten makes a sweep of the two major postseason tournaments.
Amen
But I picked Carolina in my bracket, so I’d appreciate it if they beat UCONN, then lose.
God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...
MSU ain't scUM?
I respect UMich more than msu. You have to be pretty smart to get in there, and they hold onto their traditions almost to a fault.
Plus, (and this is a dumb way to judge…) I like reading the Michigan blogs way more than those of MSU. I try to keep up with blogs around the big ten, and have found Michigan’s to be among the best. After BSD of course.
by borisborisboris on Apr 3, 2009 2:21 AM EDT up reply actions
BSD should take a poll.
Who do we hate more: Sparty or scUM? I think scUM wins in a landslide.
It's pretty clear who you'd vote for ;)
"Breaststroke, free style," Rubin said of his technique, "Let’s see Phelps do that one."
by ReadingRambler on Apr 3, 2009 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions
JoePa finished 66th in Men's Hoops?
Another example of why many, if not most of us hate the Big Ten and most of the teams in it.
Heh
Michigan State basketball lost to an 82-year old man.
In East Lansing.
by Cairo on Apr 3, 2009 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
JoePa displays the form he used to take down MSU at the Breslin Ctr this year
PWNED!!! :-)
by RNF18 on Apr 3, 2009 12:23 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
WIN
"Breaststroke, free style," Rubin said of his technique, "Let’s see Phelps do that one."
by ReadingRambler on Apr 3, 2009 12:26 AM EDT up reply actions
movie star also
This is our most desperate hour. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi; you're my only hope.
by psu on Apr 3, 2009 12:29 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
brilliant
I haven’t seen much of the mid-west, but I always imagine the whole thing looks like the mud fields in that movie.
by borisborisboris on Apr 3, 2009 2:23 AM EDT up reply actions
WIN
"Breaststroke, free style," Rubin said of his technique, "Let’s see Phelps do that one."
by ReadingRambler on Apr 3, 2009 12:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Wow
As if I needed another reason not to visit the dungheap that is Mr. enlightenedspartan’s website. I wish MSU all the luck in the world against UConn, but this guy is the sort of fan that no team needs.
Congrats Penn State on your NIT Championship and on knocking out Notre Dame as well. Congrats MSU on the Final Four berth (and the possibility of more). Congrats enlightenedspartan on being a grade A douchebag.
by septimusharding on Apr 3, 2009 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Don't be a prick
Congrats to Penn State. It’s too bad you weren’t given a chance to play in the real tournament (the horrible non-conference schedule had a lot to do with that, of course, but it still ticks me off that freakin’ Arizona got in ahead of you, Creighton, or SDSU) – I think you could have made some noise.
I still want MSU to win it all
even though it will destroy my bracket (which may be the best bracket I’ve ever had, even though I put the least effort/thought into it).
I want it because I’m an MSU grad student, and have enjoyed following MSU hoops with my friends here the past few years.
But here’s why I want it more: so I can get my NIT championship shirt, and wear it with pride amidst all the Spartans who will be wearing their Final 4 and Championship shirts, and no matter what they say to me it won’t make me feel any less about the accomplishments I feel my team made. I will trully be Penn State Proud.
Besides, Enlightened Spartan, I’m sure you can understand what it feels like. Just remember back to 1990, when you guys shared the Big 10 Title with Illinois, Iowa, and Michigan, or back to 1987 when you won it outright. Sure, you weren’t National Champions (not even according to Dunkel or the National Football Foundation), but I’m sure you still felt some pride at that accomplishment.
by The JuggerNitt on Apr 3, 2009 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Ron Cook
He said he’d rather watch the “real” basketball of the NCAA Tournament than the NIT, even though the two don’t conflict TV wise…
Which earned him this response:
Dear Ron,
When the NCAA tournament actually has the 65 best teams in America in it, wake me up. Until then, I’m going to enjoy the “fake” basketball of the NIT as a tasty supplement to the NCAAs, and laugh at ignorant people like you dense enough to ignore it.
God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...
As far as Ron Cook goes,
and anybody else for that matter, anybody who says the NIT winner is the 66th best team in the nation is a total idiot. The great thing about the NCAA tournament, as opposed to 1-A (or whatever the powers that be want to call it now) football, is that at least somebody from every conference has a chance for the championship. You can’t say that about football. As for our winning the NIT, this should most definitely have us in the Top 25 in the final poll, which for us, and more importantly for Cornley and Co., is an absolutely incredible achievement. Hats off to these kids for a great job. Hopefully, this is the start of building a competitive program that can stand up to anybody, and makes regular visits to the postseason and rankings.
I hope to hell this isn’t a repeat of 2001, where I thought after a Sweet 16 appearance and beating UNC we were on to something, and then fell into the abyss. Please, Talor Battle, David Jackson, Andrew Jones, etc. don’t let history repeat itself. You have the opportunity to really build something here. The fan support in the Garden shows that “If you build it, they will come.”
The Great Thing
The thing I think was the most special about tonight was that WE made the NIT matter single-handedly. It was and event because WE said it was. I’m not sure how many schools could have packed that place the way we did tonight. I’m not sure how many schools could have generated the atmosphere at a game that most would consider not to matter, and convinced a kid that we’re where he belongs.
I know I’m gonna see a bajillion NIT Championship shirts at the spring game. I know the crowd is gonna go nuts when they bring those kids out to congratulate them. And I know that when you tell a recruit “Look how much this school supports us, and we haven’t even made the NCAAs yet”, it’ll open up his eyes.
God Bless that Curley. It was part of his plan all along
God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...
Could be the Derrick Williams effect.
Williams comes to Penn State at the end of the 2004 season when we’re 3-7 and sees 100,000,000 (I typed that one purpose!) wearing Blue and White and losing their fucking minds, and thinks “If they show this much passion and love and support for a losing team, what will they do with a winning team?” One year later, Big Ten champs (NOT CO-CHAMPS!!).
I feel weird like we just discovered aliens or something
I was thinking yesterday before the game about how I felt like a jerk for not knowing about Cornley and Company before this year. Then I remembered that I saw PSU B-ball on TV once last year, when they beat MSU (I think it was last year, maybe two years ago).
Good old Big Ten network and competency can go a long way. Man it was so great to have a team to support from February-April. How lucky to have our boys go on a run this year.
I can’t believe I’m going to buy a PSU B-ball t-shirt! I can’t believe PSU beat Florida. Now I can actually talk schmack to people in Tampa!
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
I agree...
I agree w/ the people not celebrate mediocrity this season…
We Are Penn State…and yes, winning the NIT/Special Olympics/Not Making the real tourney/Not making the Top 25 should be beneath us. At least I thought it was. I can’t even say how disappointed I am in the PSU fan base for celebrate mediocrity in such a large way.
And any PSU fan who thinks our season even holds a candle to what Pitt did this year is fit for straight jacket.
....Copy.....Paste...
What I told the Pitt fans:
Go ahead (JohnnyR44), laugh your ass off. You didn’t see me throwing stones after Pitt lost because they did something this year that they haven’t done in a long time, and they deserved to not have an asshole Penn State fan rub salt in their wounds, so its pretty lame of you to be an asshole yourself and pis on our accomplishments. This team lost an exhibition game to Shippensburg a year and a half ago, and couldn’t even find their way onto the BTN, and tonight they cut down the nets at the Garden.
So laugh all you want, but at the end of the day, we get to ogle a shiny trophy, buy some t-shirts, and play "We Are the Champions" for the next six months while you pis away your time wondering what could have been if not for Scottie Reynolds.
We’re no powerhouse, but maybe just maybe, a sleeping giant was awakened tonight…
We Are Penn State.
PSU Debbie Downer that already said that:
Really dude?
You know what? We’re not f***ing Kentucky. We’re Penn State, and we’ve never done anything like this before, so you can take your little pity party elsewhere. Its not a "good start". The good start took place before just about anyone was watching. It took place while there were 2000 people in the BJC every night and no one gave a crap about this team.
This is a big step in the road. I was one of the biggest critics (actually, THE biggest critic) of Curley after we missed the field, but things worked out just fine. Kentucky wouldn’t have celebrated a first or second round exit in the NCAA either, which is what would have happened to us, so just shut up, play the fight song, buy the t-shit, ogle the trophy, and be proud.
By the way. Talor Battle and Jamelle Cornley are "premo" players
And no one is saying it “holds a candle” to Pitt. Why does Pitt even matter? Its You’ll probaby be the first person on the bandwagon when we get even better, but let me just tell you know, if the only thing that makes this team relevant to is an NCAA berth and top 25 finish, then I think I speak for a lot of people when I say, don’t bother. If you can’t appreciate this after all this program has been through, we don’t need you.
God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...
Don’t give this bullshit about “mediocrity” when neither one of us were following this team when they were going 2-14 in conference.
"Breaststroke, free style," Rubin said of his technique, "Let’s see Phelps do that one."
by ReadingRambler on Apr 3, 2009 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Congrats guys
This removes all doubt in my mind you should have been a tournament team. There wasn’t any anyway. you beat Big East power and SEC speed in the same tournament. How did you ever survive?
A futile crusade to prevent mass ignorance
HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boliermaker Blog
CORNLEY SMASH
"Breaststroke, free style," Rubin said of his technique, "Let’s see Phelps do that one."
by ReadingRambler on Apr 3, 2009 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Huh.
I just realized that I watched a replay of the game on ESPN U. I thought it was wierd that the game didn’t start until 10:00. Wierd. I could have saved my girlfriend a lot of screaming at 11:45.
"I honestly think the "Spread HD" is going to work pretty well, and we’ll be just fine this year". - 8-27-2008
by jesse. on Apr 3, 2009 9:26 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I was at both games at MSG, and THEY WERE AWESOME!
This was my first time at Madison Square Garden, and the arena itself is just awesome. Not a bad seat in the house. And I would have never guessed that my first time in MSG would be to watch PSU bball.
The crowd and the support for the team was incredible, and Bayor couldn’t get a cheer in edge-wise. We just plain PWNED MSG!
Also as a side note – Baylor’s band and cheerleaders were both MUCH better than ND’s. I was surprised at that.
Also, props to the student section for introducing MSG to the slow-motion and hyperspeed waves.
I stayed until the very end…the nets were cut down and the sound of Sinatra singing New York, New York filled the arena, followed by Billy Joel bellowing New York state of mind. The usher came around and said to us, “Well, it’s about that time.”
A perfect end to a perfect night. Thank you PSU bball.
I bleed Blue and White.
Hand Signals?
What’s the significance of the “diamond” hand signal that everyone puts up during free throws?
It is the "Dynasty" symbol the WRs flashed in that picture a few years back
by PennStateBasketball on Apr 3, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions
thanks for the info
the wr’s thing would have been my next guess. Larry Johnson used to throw it up too, if I remember correctly. I still think it would be better/cooler to say its for thon. I mean, doesn’t half the proceeds from the nittany nation shirts go to thon? thon is held in the bjc. Plus, not to mention its just deeply rooted in the penn state culture.
Diamond -representing the kids, or a diamond representing a pro wrestler or jay-z? hmmmmmm I think I’ll take the FTK option.
Let's Go State
No, I think it's an actual, substantive hand signal.
ED was doing it last night, too, and I doubt he’s throwing around dynasty signs.
I’m guessing it’s some sort of defensive call.
"Never. We would never shoot nuclear weapons at Decepticons." -- Gen. Jack Jacobs
by Run Up The Score on Apr 3, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I saw Ed flashing a diamond for a defensive set, but the Nation’s free throw gesture is based off of the Dynasty diamond.
by PennStateBasketball on Apr 3, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm stupid.
By “everyone”, I figured he meant the players on the free throw line. So I figured it was some sort of coaching signal.
Right. I need happy hour, stat.
"Never. We would never shoot nuclear weapons at Decepticons." -- Gen. Jack Jacobs
by Run Up The Score on Apr 3, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
If it is the same diamond that
the WR were flashing the last few years, it was taken from Jay-Z. Altohugh when looking for a link I see it could be even more old-school – Diamond Dallas Page from the pro-wrassling world claims ownership.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_Dallas_Page
.
"You are a tenacious little monkey!"
Congrats
Glad to see the strong wins, hopefully this and MSU being in the final four will help perception of the whole conference.
To anyone who is seriously disappointed with the NIT championship
this would be like being disappointed that someone didn’t win a marathon, but instead “only” took their first steps without any aid after being stabbed in the back and paralyzed for the past 8 years.
Put things in perspective.
Sure in 2002 this may have been a “disappointing” season after the Sweet 16 run in 2001, but you know what we actually did in 2002? 5-21 (2-13 Big 10). So if I could have had this “disappointing” season back then, I would have taken it in a heartbeat.
Heck, since the Sweet 16, this team practically doubled their next best season. All of this after Jerry Dunn paralyzed the program.
This is not a dissappointing
season by any metric of comparison of Penn State basketball. Frankly, it’s a pretty successful season by the standards of about 95% of the schools out there playing division one basketball.
"I honestly think the "Spread HD" is going to work pretty well, and we’ll be just fine this year". - 8-27-2008
just tell that to JohnnyR44 or bluebellgolpher
or any of the other multitudes of Debbie Downers out there (most of which probably didn’t even watch any of the games, otherwise I can’t see how they wouldn’t be proud of this team)
by The JuggerNitt on Apr 3, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions
To relate it to football...
That’s like saying the only fans that should be proud of their team are the ones whose team just won the MNC game.
All those others who performed better than expected and won a nice bowl game – big deal, it wasn’t the MNC, wipe that smile off your face.
Me, I’m smiling, because Penn State hoops brought me a lot of happy times and good memories this winter!
"The sea was angry that day, my friends." G. Costanza
It would be like Indiana winning the Outback Bowl
"Never. We would never shoot nuclear weapons at Decepticons." -- Gen. Jack Jacobs
by Run Up The Score on Apr 3, 2009 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Then having a bunch of people
telling you that you still suck, albeit less than before.
"I honestly think the "Spread HD" is going to work pretty well, and we’ll be just fine this year". - 8-27-2008
Or Oklahoma winning any BCS bowl game
I bleed Blue and White.
by Horse N Buggy on Apr 3, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Or Pitt beating a good Penn State team
"Breaststroke, free style," Rubin said of his technique, "Let’s see Phelps do that one."
by ReadingRambler on Apr 3, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
No, scratch that
"Breaststroke, free style," Rubin said of his technique, "Let’s see Phelps do that one."
by ReadingRambler on Apr 3, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Or Vince "getting lucky" without cash involvement or tongue injury
This is our most desperate hour. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi; you're my only hope.
by psu on Apr 3, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions
You've got to be kidding me! $30 for a PSU NIT Champs tee shirt
for realz? I’ll just wait til football season and get an old one at Family Clothesline for $8.
I bleed Blue and White.
Puh-lease
You Penn State fans make fun of Pitt for playing in second- or third-tier bowl games and then, go around pounding your chest after winning an irrelevant basketball tournament. This, after you needed a miracle to beat George Mason at home in the first round. It’s the height of hypocrisy. I had to laugh after your fans stormed the court after beating No. 23 Illinois at home — a team you had already beaten earlier in the season. But this whole ridiculous NIT celebration takes the cake. How many of you even went to more than one basketball game this season?
Then, you attack Pitt. PSU is not even in Pitt’s league when talking basketball.
Just remember this, the last time Penn State played Pitt in football and basketball, the Nits got run. That’s something you can’t argue with!!
Wow. Get ready for the hate
Seriously guy, we’re happy because PSU basketball has been irrelevant for, oh, the past 100 years or so. We know this. And now they’re finally making a move towards being a respectable, watchable, successful team. This pleases us greatly. I don’t know anyone who thought our season was better than Pitt’s.
Oh, and lest you forget:
Number of NCAA Final Fours Pitt has been to: ONE
Number of NCAA Final Fours PSU has been to: ONE
So you’re not exactly UCLA in the early 70s either. But good luck with that.
by Tailgate Shogun on Apr 4, 2009 6:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Well
PSU doesn’t have delusions of grandeur about their basketball team like Pitt fans have about their football team. PSU has never done anything in basketball. And why do you care? Go celebrate your elite 8 instead of supposedly bothering a supposedly irrelevant basketball team.
PSU made fun of Pitt for not scoring a fucking point in a 2nd tier bowl game against a team we wiped the floor with. Last season was also one of Pitt’s best seasons in 20+ years. Not even PSU’s bball had drought of success was that long. Oh and I went to 6 basketball games.
Tool
Kath?
We won our irrelevant basketball tournament.
You lost (again) in your second- or third-tier bowl game.
Penn State = wins
Pitt = losses
Penn State = success
Pitt = failure
On a semi-related note
Our Beaver friends from the west coast won their post-season tourney as well – the CBI Champs. Sure, it’s another one of those other tournaments, but it’s a proud accomplishment nonetheless. And as I mentioned over BtD, it’s about time for both teams that the football success in the fall has finally rolled into basketball success in the spring.
"...You know, Reemer, someday I'm gonna own a big sports bar."
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