Penn State coach Mike Rhoades has been clear that he wants Penn State to be able to bend and mold to any situation, especially on defense.
Well, Monday night in the Bryce Jordan Center, fans got a first-hand look at what he meant.
โโฆ[W]e recruited our guys specifically to be able to guard multiple players and positions and to be able to press [so] Ace [Baldwin Jr.] isn’t the only one that can guard the ball,โ Rhoades said after his team forced 21 turnovers.
At the center of all this Penn State chaos-inducing defense was none other than the Swiss himself, Yanic Konan Niederhauser.
NIEDERHAUSER KNOWS NO LIMITS
Yes, Binghamton didnโt have a single player that could match up with Niederhauser, but thatโs what made his defensive performance so impressive.
Binghamtonโs roster is filled with wings and guards, leaving the 7-footer in what should have been an uncomfortable situation having to guard a smaller, quicker player.
But no discomfort was seen or felt, as Niederhauser was more than happy to play at the top of Penn Stateโs full-court press. Then, in the halfcourt, Rhoades let the Swiss run freely, jumping out on ball screens and recovering quickly to the roll man.
Niederhauser wreaked havoc on the Bearcats, as he not only disrupted their ball screen usage but also protected the boards, turning away two shots and grabbing seven rebounds.
The fluidity the junior transfer moved with was impressive but even more so was Rhoades willingness to test the limits of his defensive anchor.
โYou haven’t seen anything yet,โ Rhoades said postgame.
If thatโs true, Penn State fans are in for a treat for what seems to be one of the most versatile defenders in the Big Ten early on.
NICK KERN JR. IS A SWISS ARMY KNIFE
Some players specialize in one area on the basketball floor.
Others, like Kern, prefer to impact the game in multiple aspects.
Not only did the senior forward record a 4×4 stat line in the season opener, he also drew multiple charges and deflected numerous passes.
Nick Kern has been everywhere in this game.
Eight points (all free throws), five rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals.
โ Brennan Valladares (@Valladares7B) November 5, 2024
Last season, Kern was one of 21 players nationally to average at least 8.7 points, 1.5 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 1.0 steals and .5 blocks on 54.7 field goal percentage. This year looks like he could even be more disruptive.
Here are 44 seconds of play-by-play from last nightโs game:
- Offensive rebound by Kern
- Dunk by Niederhauser, assisted by Kern
- Block by Kern
- Defensive rebound by Kern
While Kern may not be the offensive creator some of his teammates are, his defensive playmaking abilities will ignite offensive opportunities throughout the season. Last night alone, Kernโs four steals led to eight Penn State points.
It wouldnโt be shocking if this Penn State team leads the conference again in total steals with Kern Jr spearheading this effort.
Alongside Baldwin, of course.
IS THIS THE BEST ACE WEโVE SEEN?
Most defenders make their impact either on the ball or at the rim. So how does one change the game on that end of the floor if they arenโt involved in actions on the perimeter or in the paint? By shutting down passing lanes.
No matter how much Binghamton went away from Baldwin, he was in the right spot continuously, either sitting at the nail baiting a pass to the wing or perfectly timing a double team to keep the Bearcats above the 3-point line.
Baldwin recorded three steals on the night but that was to be expected for the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
What may have not been expected was his efficiency from deep, as the graduate student went 4-of-5 from three.
โHe worked like a pro this summer,โ said Rhoades of Baldwin postgame.
โWhen guys went home, he stuck around. Sometimes [heโd] come back at 12 at night.โ
This commitment to his craft was evident throughout the night as Baldwinโs first shot of the game came from the hashmark in early offense.
.@yeah_ace3 drains the first three of the year ๐ค
15:31 1st | 7-7
Subscribe/stream on B1G+ https://t.co/4eroeI2shK#WeArePennState pic.twitter.com/bA9AqKfzAD
โ Penn State Menโs Basketball (@PennStateMBB) November 5, 2024
For his career, Baldwin is a 34 percent 3-point shooter but if he can become a consistent threat from deep, the complexion of this team changes drastically.
Rhoades has talked about the gift of space, and there is no better way to do so than becoming a reliable shooter, forcing defenses to either give up a three or layup.
โWe always say this, you want to have multiple handlers and multiple shooters on the court together,โ he said. โGive your teammates the gift of space and then when that ball gets hot, [the defense has to pick its] poison.โ
We know Ace Baldwin is one of the best defenders in the nation but if he can elevate his shot-making, especially from 3 this could be the best Ace season on record.
