Stephens lands new role

Backup forward Jarrett Stephens perservered scoring 15 points in the Lions 70-55 loss to Indiana.

It should be obvious to Nittany Lion fans that somebody other than guard Pete Lisicky needs to step up if this team is going to win.

With forwards Rahsaan Carlton and Phil Williams out, who together account for 15 points and 12 rebounds per game respectively, someone else needed to show some control. Someone needed to hit the key basket, block the big layup and fight for the loose ball.

Enter Jarrett Stephens.

The Lions fell to Indiana yesterday, 70-55, but Stephens kept the Lions from getting blown out. It's shocking to look at the box score and see Lisicky didn't lead the team -- just as shocking as seeing Stephens, a backup, have a career game against one of the top defensive teams in the Big Ten.

Stephens' career-high 15 points and eight rebounds led all Lion scorers and rebounders. He played with emotion. He played with intensity. He played to the CBS camera a little bit. But he learned his lesson when he tried to bring the rim down on a dunk attempt that rolled off the rim.

"I don't know what I was thinking when I went up for it," Stephens said. "I think I should have just done a regular dunk, but you know, on national TV you might want to spice it up a little bit."

What Lion fans didn't know about Stephens' ability, they found out yesterday. He's a big, athletic forward who can bang down low and sky up above. He's aggressive, but at the same time, owns a pair of soft hands. What Lions fans didn't know about Stephens, coach Jerry Dunn knew all along.

"He's been playing the way he's played normally," Dunn said. "I didn't think he played any differently."

Everybody, however, is a critic. And some more than others. Despite Stephens' impressive showing, Indiana coach Bobby Knight believed Williams' absence hurt Penn State's chances.

"Williams is a hell of a player," Knight said. "They really missed Williams."

When Williams comes back, Dunn will have to decide whether Stephens will remain the starter. Stephens said whatever decision Dunn makes will be fine. Stephens also admits that yesterday's game was good, but the future will be better.

"It has been the best game of my college career," he said. "But I don't think I've played the best game of my career yet."