Last year, Penn State point guard Talor Battle didn't hesitate to go to his older teammates for advice.

This summer he is the one being sought out for questions.

"All the guys are coming to me with questions, it's different but I'm getting used to it," Battle said of his incoming rookie teammates. "It's a respect level now that guys really trust that I know what's going on. They ask me questions and I answer to the best of my abilities."

Despite being the new go-to-guy for information, the junior said he isn't afraid to admit he doesn't know everything. If he is unable to help one of his teammates. Battle said he will send them to coach Ed DeChellis.

While the experience with his teammates is new, Battle is no stranger to having others look up to him. Of his eight siblings, six are younger than he is. The point guard's family recently moved to Boalsburg, and since returning from Serbia -- where he played in the World University Games -- Battle has been able to spend more time with his brothers and sisters.

"The other day my mom stopped by my apartment, I got to see my little brothers and sisters," Battle said. "Now I have to make sure I space my days when I see them so they don't drive me up the wall."

The senior members of Battle's on-court family made their way out of State College after the basketball season, however.

The departure of Jamelle Cornley, Danny Morrissey and Stanley Pringle leaves the Lions without any seniors and makes Battle one of the few figureheads on the roster. Losing Pringle leaves Battle without an experienced backup at point guard.

Freshman Tim Frazier will enter the season as the main backup to Battle, and his teammates have faith in his ability. Junior forward Jeff Brooks said he expects opposing teams to key in on Battle next year, opening more opportunities for the other players to step up.

"Everybody knows how much of a threat Talor is, from deep and driving the ball," Brooks said. "With people keying in on him, that just opens up so much for teammates, and he's a very unselfish player."

Due to the amount of roster turnover, the season will present chances for the freshmen to play. Battle said that should serve as motivation for the freshman.

The experience Battle gained while playing overseas will help all of the players, veterans and rookies. Battle said sharing what he learned is a way to help his transition to team leader.

"He's bringing back leadership, experience, a lot of things," freshman guard Jermaine Marshall said. "Just him being around, he's able to help the young guys and even the older guys, he can help us a lot."

With so much of the teams' success riding on Battle's shoulders, it is important for the guard to find breaks during the season. Battle said he is willing to play 40 minutes a game if he needs to, but is also working with DeChellis to find ways to get rest.

Brooks said he knows Battle won't overwork himself and is the kind of player who will communicate how he feels throughout the campaign.

"I'm sure coach will try to find me minutes, but at the same time we don't really have seniors like we had," Battle said. "We're trying to teach Tim to play point and things like that, but its going to be hard to find breaks. But I'm expecting that."