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Big Ten: 5 Freshman Making An Immediate Impact In 2016-17

By Casey Pazzalia

Dec 17, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Jordan Bohannon (3) goes to the basket during the second half against the Northern Iowa Panthers at Wells Fargo Arena. Iowa won 69-46. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Jordan Bohannon (3) goes to the basket during the second half against the Northern Iowa Panthers at Wells Fargo Arena. Iowa won 69-46. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 11, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard Tony Carr (10) reacts to a play with teammate Lamar Stevens (11) against the Albany Great Danes during the second half at the Bryce Jordan Center. Albany defeated Penn State 87-81. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard Tony Carr (10) reacts to a play with teammate Lamar Stevens (11) against the Albany Great Danes during the second half at the Bryce Jordan Center. Albany defeated Penn State 87-81. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Tony Carr, Mike Watkins, Lamar Stevens, Penn State

One of the most interesting stories in college basketball comes from a place not normally known for hoops.

Penn State?!?

The Nittany Lions had an outstanding recruiting class coming into 2016-17. However, the story is that Penn State’s top four freshman are all from the same place, including three from the same high school.

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Tony Carr, Lamar Stevens, and Nazeer Bostick all came to Happy Valley from Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia. While Mike Watkins didn’t attend RCHS, he does hail from Philadelphia as well.

Bostick, the lowest rated recruit of all Nittany Lion freshman, was in the rotation to start the year but has fallen by the wayside recently.

On the other hand; Carr, Stevens, and Watkins are serious contributors to a Penn State team that is suddenly surprising people.

After being upset in non-conference play by Albany and George Mason, the Nittany Lions have proved themselves worthy in Big Ten play. With two wins already, Penn State is right in the thick of things moving forward.

Ironically, the Nittany Lion’s biggest win came right in the backyard of their phenom freshman.

Penn State beat college basketball blue blood Michigan State at the Palestra in Philadelphia. In the 72-63 win, the Nittany Lions were led by their hometown trio. Lamar Stevens paced Penn State with 18 points, while Tony Carr added 14 and Mike Watkins contributed 11 of his own.

For the season; Carr, Stevens, and Watkins are contributing in every facet of the game. All three are averaging double figures in scoring and more than five rebounds per game. Carr, who runs the offense for Penn State, also leads the team in assists with 3.8 per game.

In addition, Watkins is anchoring the Nittany Lion’s defense and is second in the Big Ten with 2.9 blocks per game. He earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors in mid-December.