Pat Chambers, who just led Boston University to a NCAA tournament bid, has been chosen as the new Penn State men’s basketball head coach. Chambers is a Philadelphia native who was an assistant at Villanova. I don’t get too into football recruiting and basketball recruiting is even worse, but having someone with experience in Philly is something that Penn State has never had (Patriot-News). This aspect has been missing from Penn State basketball since time immemorial it seems.

Oh a few other things about Chambers — 12th of 12 kids, walk-on Division II player, worked in marketing after college before getting into coaching. Also, 3 of his siblings are Penn State grads and a nephew is a walk-on for the football team. Penn State went out of the family for this hire, but not too far out.

The reaction to Chambers has been pretty good, it looks like Athletic Director Tim Curley did surprisingly well given how late in the process they had to find a coach. David Jones of the Patriot-News says that Chambers is a salesman that PSU has lacked. Jones also notes that I’m on board.

CDT
Chambers plans to make changes

ESPN is praising the hire:

Pat Chambers has PSU fans pumped

Penn State hopes Chambers brings new life

Penn State blogs

Penn State’s Curley Hits Home Run With Chambers Hire – Black Shoe Diaries

Why Chambers Is A Great Fit – Linebacker-U

The presser is at 2:30 on Big Ten Network — live feed