The theory behind college is to learn from those that are wiser than you (supposedly).

For the Penn State women's basketball team, that meant observing the Philadelphia 76ers when the team was using the Bryce Jordan Center for its preseason training camp earlier this month.

Yesterday at the Lady Lion's media day, Coach Rene Portland talked about how this year's camp was more accessible to the team than last season, adding her squad was not as caught up in the excitement of it this time through. Penn State visited all the Sixers practices, and Portland invested lots of time talking strategy with her fellow coaches.

"Larry (Brown, Sixers Coach) runs his practice like a college team, they do a lot of drills," Portland said. "Several things we were putting into our transition I was able to talk to him about."

Portland also talked about the hours she spent discussing defense with current Memphis Coach John Calipari, who spent last season on the Sixers' bench. Among the schemes brought up, Portland said she was considering a different set than last season's 2-3 zone. She called the swapping of ideas "terrific."

"It was a real positive experience," Portland said. "It just wasn't about personalities. There was a lot of work done and a lot of work exchanged. They're very open to give you everything."

This was especially important this season, as Penn State looks to retool it's offensive playbook to include more picks and movement, using the Sixers as one of its models. Portland said she spent lots of time this summer studying tapes of Allen Iverson, with hopes of finding new ways to spring last year's leading scorer, sophomore guard Kelly Mazzante.

For their part, the Lady Lions were impressed with the Sixers' work ethic — and their superstar status. In the words of senior guard Katrena Carr, "It's cool to meet celebrities."

"I did get a chance to talk to them," Carr said. "When I did see them practice I got to see how hard they work. . .If I want to play at the next level I see how hard I have to work."

Penn State can also look to the Sixers for an example of how to incorporate new players into a team. With five freshmen, most of who are expected to contribute right away, the Lions will have to come together fast with clashes against Villanova, Old Dominion, Maryland and Clemson looming within the first three weeks of the season.

"It was a great experience to see them interact with one another and what it takes to play big time basketball," sophomore forward Jessica Brungo said.