NN breaks down Penn State’s four freshmen and their potential impact this season:
Sasa Borovnjak
Forward
Fletcher, N.C.
6-9, 230
High school highlights: Scored 26 points and pulled down 12 rebounds per game as a senior against some of the nation’s top prep talent; scored 33 points against Oak Hill Academy and 41 against Queens Grant.
Strengths: Good shooter, comfortable playing with his back to the basket, solid rebounder and has college-ready frame
Weaknesses: Needs to add strength and improve his footwork. Still adjusting to the style and speed of the American game.
Projected role in 2009-10: Borovnjak should see 8-12 minutes per game this season backing up David Jackson and Jeff Brooks at power forward and can moonlight at the five if Andrew Jones and Andrew Ott encounter foul trouble.
Bill Edwards
Forward
Middletown, Ohio
6-5, 230
High school highlights: Averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds per game and shot 42 percent from 3-point range as a senior at Middletown High School.
Strengths: Good handle for his size, good range on jumper, knows how to play the game
Weaknesses: Needs to improve his on-the-ball defense, would like to drop a few pounds
Projected role: Edwards’ playing time as a freshman could be dependent upon how he fits in with the other forwards, but he is physically and mentally ready to contribute immediately. Look for him to get up to 15 minutes per game, most at the three.
Tim Frazier
Guard
Houston, Texas
6-2, 150
High school highlights: Named top player in the state of Texas as a senior after scoring 16 points, dishing out nearly four assists per game and leading his Strake Jesuit team to a 37-1 record.
Strengths: Terrific quickness and a great handle, creative and intelligent passer, solid defender despite lack of size and strength.
Weaknesses: Needs to add bulk and improve the range and consistency of his jump shot
Projected role: Frazier should gobble up the few minutes Talor Battle doesn’t play at the point and, depending on how quickly he adjusts to the college game and what sort of production the Nittany Lions are getting at the off-guard spot, could see a few minutes alongside Battle in the backcourt. Has a good chance to be the first or second man off the bench.
Jermaine Marshall
Guard
Etters, Pa.
6-4, 185
High School highlights: Scored better than 19 points per game as a junior before a knee injury put him on the sideline for his senior season.
Strengths: Can get to the basket and finish, a long and athletic defender, unselfish player
Weaknesses: Could stand to add about 10 pounds. Hasn’t played in more than a year due to a knee injury and will likely need some time to get back to speed. Not a great perimeter shooter
Projected role: Marshall might be the likeliest of the four freshmen to take a redshirt this season. Long-term, though, he should be able to give the Nittany Lions some depth at the two and allow them to utilize some three-guard lineups.
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