Before this season, I had very little exposure to Penn State women's basketball. Obviously I was well aware of the exploits of Kelly and company, but I had a list of excuses a mile long that always kept me away from the Bryce Jordan Center on Thursdays and Sundays.
But I have been impressed with the Lady Lion basketball experience, and Rene Portland's comments after last night's shellacking of Indiana got me thinking about exactly what makes the BJC such a unique venue in the women's college game.
"I think everybody wants to make their place special," Portland said. "We have been very fortunate here at Penn State because people love the Lady Lions. A couple years ago we made it our theme ,'You gotta make em love us.' I think we have worked really hard at being the team you want to love."
So without further ado, I give you what it is about Lady Lion basketball that I love. It may not be raindrops on roses or whiskers on kittens, but nonetheless, these are a few of my favorite things.
1. The Scream Machine
I have heard the Jordan Center get extremely loud when the Lady Lions are making one of their patented runs this season, but it may be the loudest when the Nittany Lion busts out his plastic trash can full of t-shirts and starts launching them into the crowd, proving once again that people love nothing more than a free shirt.
2. Jess Strom's dribbling
At least once a game you can count on the diminutive point guard breaking someone's ankles with a nasty crossover or a wicked behind-the-back change of direction. She has a handle that many players in the men's game would kill for.
3. Kiss-Cam
Is there anything better than watching the older married couples that attend Penn State games smooching on the big screen? Yes, seeing that awkward moment when two people who are obviously not together get caught by the camera. Better still, if it turns out the real significant other happens to be sitting on the other side.
4. Jenny Brenden 3-pointers
Brenden has made more clutch 3-pointers per capita than any player who averages 3.5 points per game in basketball history. Brenden does all the little things needed to win and seems to be a fan favorite.
5. Steve Portland's suits
Rene's protégé is a certified fashion plate on the bench. Last night, the first-year assistant coach sported a gray number with a pink shirt. His role on the team might be unclear to the fans, but you can't deny, the kid has got style.
6. Tanisha Wright's mid-range game
Wright plays a game that has almost completely disappeared from the NBA, and much to its detriment. She has a seemingly bottomless bag of tricks that features a variety of stepbacks, fallaways and head fakes and always seems to be in control on the court. Few players in the women's game are more dominant.
7. Halftime shows
For pure entertainment value, the halftime entertainment sometimes overshadows the game itself. A man playing a giant keyboard by selectively dropping balls while he juggles? Amazing. In last night's yawnfest, a troupe of Kenyan acrobats in blue velour suits completely stole the show.
8. Rene's Dunkers Club
There is something especially demoralizing about having "it's all over" chanted at you by an extremely loud group of high-pitched youngsters that sit behind the basket.
9. Ashli Schwab's elbow jumper
The offense doesn't allow for Schwab taking many shots, but her 15-foot jumper is a thing of beauty: great form and gorgeous rotation. And last but certainly not least...
10. Lisa Etienne's pregame routine
The freshman might not get into the game much once it starts, but no one plays a more vital role in Penn State's starting lineup introductions. First, she slaps hands with Jen Harris, one, two, three times. Then she brushes off Strom's shoulders. But without a doubt her leaping chest bump with Wright is the highlight. No doubt, pregame is Etienne's time to shine.
