With a week between games, there is nothing better than getting some much-needed rest.

That's exactly what freshman walk-on Aaron Johnson did with his weekend off. Johnson said that besides resting and relaxing that he did get into the gym a couple times.

After a 20-point loss on Wednesday night to Iowa, Penn State men's basketball coach Jerry Dunn had a light practice on Thursday and an hour-and-a-half practice Friday morning. The team resumed practice yesterday by watching videotape and then practicing in the afternoon.

Dunn attempted to get away this weekend, and went to watch his son, Taylor, play up at St. Mary's 10 miles from Ridgeway. Taylor's team won twice while dropping one decision.

On Sunday night Dunn was at the Diaper Dan basketball tournament in Pittsburgh. Dunn said that he tried to relax for a few minutes over the weekend. But Monday he got back to his rigorous schedule of getting into work at 7 a.m. and not leaving until usually 11 p.m.

"I try to get the proper amount of sleep," Dunn said. "So that I can stay fresh."

Rebounding Machine

Johnson has stormed on to the Big Ten scene this season and leads the conference in Big Ten games in rebounding. Johnson is averaging 8.6 rebounds per game. He was unaware that he was at the top of the conference. He said that he goes after every rebound like it's his, and that his dad told him when he was little that even if you don't think you can get it, still go after it.

"I'd rather get 20 rebounds than 20 points any night," Johnson said. "It creates extra opportunities for my team, that's why I idolize guys like [former NBA star Charles] Barkley."

Johnson does most of his damage on the offensive end of the floor. He has grabbed 32 offensive rebounds and 37 defensive rebounds during Big Ten action. When other players take plays off Johnson said he loves it because he's still going to go after the ball.

Keeping the Faith

The record doesn't matter, even if it's 0-8 in the Big Ten, to Johnson who believes that the team can finished the season successfully.

"I don't know if I'm crazy but I still want to make the tournament," Johnson said. "I'm trying to win the Big Ten tournament, that's my goal ... it ain't over until the fat lady sings."

Penn State has lost 12 consecutive Big Ten games but the streak doesn't seem to bother him.

Unfair Signs

Johnson said he has noticed the signs displayed at the Bryce Jordan Center calling for the removal of Dunn as coach.

"It's uncalled for," Johnson said. "I love our students, our fans, but you can't be doing that, it isn't helping us at all."

He added that it takes focus away from the game, but Johnson does understand that the fans are doing this mostly out of frustration. Johnson knows that winning is the only thing that can turn the program around.

"I hear this could be just as good as football if you guys win," Johnson said. "I believe it's true, and until we get that tradition ... it's going to be like that."