MMPG: Will Penn State Make The NCAA Basketball Tournament in 2018?

If you’re anything like me, you’ve been enjoying these last couple weeks of March Madness, cursing at certain teams for ruining your bracket, and thinking to yourself how wonderful it would be if Penn State were also in the tournament (you know, so you can make that ridiculous homer pick of having them in the Sweet 16/Elite 8 that nobody in their right minds would every pick...hey, it’s worked for those South Carolina homers who had them in the Final Four!)

It’s been six years since Penn State last took part in the Big Dance, and while the team had a rather disappointing finish to the 2016-17 season, they do return the fab freshmen trio of Tony Carr, Lamar Stevens, and Mike Watkins, along with Josh Reaves (who may very well be the team’s best defender), and rising senior Shep Garner, who will be looking to finish his collegiate career on a high note. In addition, one could expect to see Nazeer Bostick play a bigger role in the rotation and for Satchel Pierce to provide some key depth at the center spot. Not to mention, if the coaching staff is able to land a graduate transfer or JUCO player that can contribute right away (especially so, if they are consistent perimeter shooters), it could also help increase PSU’s chances of finally getting over the hump and back into the tournament.

On the other hand, this is Penn State basketball we’re talking about, so perhaps this all just crazy talk. However, we’d like to ask you, dear reader: Will Penn State make the NCAA tournament in 2018?