2016-17 Penn State Basketball Player Previews: Tony Carr

Hearing that Penn State landed the Top recruit in the state isn’t uncommon in other sports, but in basketball it is a landmark achievement. Due to his high composite rating from scouting services (4-star, #51 nationally, #1 in PA), Tony Carr is the best representation of the pay-off for Pat Chambers efforts to turn Philadelphia into a recruiting pipeline for the Nittany Lions.

Last Season

Tony Carr capped-off a terrific High School career at Roman Catholic (79-11 in his time as a Cahillite) with a stellar senior season, earning the honor of Pennsylvania’s High School Basketball Player of the Year from USA Today. As mentioned in the Nazeer Bostick preview, Carr helped lead his team to a second straight title in both the Philadelphia Catholic League and Class AAAA State Championships. Carr displayed his ability to contribute in all facets of the game, racking up a stat line of 14.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.5. assists, and 2.1 steals per game. Like his friend Nazzer, Tony seems to find another level in big games and under the spotlight. They don’t mind attention, and are hoping to draw national attention to the Penn State Men’s Basketball team that often goes unnoticed.

Role for 2016-17

Carr and his classmates Bostick and Stevens have impressed both coaches and teammates alike with their maturity, work ethic, and desire to bring the Penn State basketball program into national discussion. In a move that many expected, but is nonetheless encouraging, Pat Chambers shared with the press on Wednesday that Tony Carr will be the starting PG for Friday’s exhibition against Lock Haven. He is without question the most talented and best suited candidate to run the point - able to make plays and quarterback the offense - but there was still some doubt that he would be able to start from Day 1. Coach Chambers speaks very highly of the incoming freshman:

“Tony was the leader of his team at Roman Catholic - like a quarterback who is steady and poised while working to make everyone around him better. He can undoubtedly score, but his focus is on being a pass-first point guard and to create winning plays.”

There will still be growing pains for the true freshman, who has 4 games (three against D-1 opponents) before he’ll have to go against Player of the Year candidate, Grayson Allen. Fans should expect Carr to take on more of a play-maker role, working to set-up his teammates rather than score the ball himself. Similarly to how Tim Frazier came in and allowed Talor Battle to play off-ball, Carr’s presence should open things up for the sharp-shooting Shep Garner.