The life of a role player can be difficult and trying.

Take Mike Walker for instance. The junior guard has experienced the proverbial roller coaster over the past four games. Two weeks ago, he was the hero. His 10 points and game-winning three-pointer lifted the Penn State men's basketball team over Bucknell.

Then, his game fell into a lull. During the next two games, against St. Joseph's and Georgia Tech, Walker played a combined 30 minutes and managed only two points.

But Saturday afternoon against Morgan State, Walker ascended once again. Walker stepped up when fellow guards Ben Luber and Danny Morrissey went down with injuries, and netted 16 points in 23 minutes to help the Lions to victory against the Bears.

But, for the player who head coach Ed DeChellis called, 'a team guy,' the scoring doesn't mean much. For Walker, the only statistic that matters is the 3-1 record the Lions posted over the four-game stretch.

The change from major contributor to role player is new territory for Walker, and the adjustment has not been easy for the one-time Pennsylvania State Player of the Year.

"It's difficult because it's the first time in my life [I've had to deal with not playing as much]. I mean in high school, I'm not going to be in that situation and even the first couple of years here I wasn't in that situation," Walker said. "So it's tough thinking I'm not going to score two games in a row and maybe tonight I hit a couple shots. It's something I have got to get better at."

Walker was a star in high school. He led Trinity High to three state championship games, while earning state player of the year honors as a junior. He averaged 19 points and seven assists, and the only time he left the court was when his coach felt sympathy for the opposition.

When Walker brought his game to Happy Valley, he sat on the bench often, but still averaged over 20 minutes per game during his first two seasons, while seeing spot starts and contributing as the team's sixth man.

Coming back for his junior season, when most players would expect to play even more, Walker saw his role reduced. With the return of Morrissey from injury, the Lions have found themselves with a plethora options at guard. Luber, Morrissey, senior David 'Mooch' Jackson, junior Geary Claxton and Walker are all capable of filling the three guard spots But if it equates to wins, he's fine with the changes.

"Today we needed him to step up and do some things and he came in and made big shots and did good things," DeChellis said while praising his sharpshooter. "Mike's a team guy and if he plays five minutes or 35 minutes, as long as we win, I think he's the kind of kid that's happy about that."

Although Claxton and sophomore Jamelle Cornley receive most of the attention, DeChellis said role players are key to a successful campaign.

"That's how you win," DeChellis said. "Somebody else that you're not expecting maybe, a guy who can come off the bench like Mike and gives you a great night, gives you 16 points. That's the difference between winning and losing."