September 24, 2021 – Camden, New Jersey – In March of 2020, in a piece titled “The Big 10’s (Successful) Attack on Philly Mid-Majors!” I shared former Big 10 Commissionser Jim Delany’s thoughts about the Big 10 annexing Rutgers, Penn State and Maryland. Delany stated how significant the mid-Atlantic presence is to the Big 10’s long-term plans. “I don’t think people should evaluate this in the short term. But in a 25-year or 50-year period, I think they’re going to be very competitive. They are added value. “If you don’t venture out,” Delany said, “you never gain anything.

Newly installed Penn State basketball coach Micah Shrewsberry has demonstrated that he plans to venture out to Philly. Under Shrewsberry’s predecessor, Penn State established a solid recruting foothold in Philadelphia. Former Head Coach Pat Chambers and his top assistant Keith Urgo repeatedly come into Philly and landed some of the best players. Newbill (Public League), Carr (Catholic League), Stevens (Catholic League), Garner (Catholic League), Watkins (Public League) and Brockington (Catholic League) played very well for the Nittany Lions.

The Chambers regime left Seth Lundy (Catholic League), Sam Sessoms (Friends League) and John Harrar (Central League) on the Nittany Lion roster.

One had to wonder if Coach Shrewsberry and Penn State would continue to aggressively recruit Philadelphia. Moreover, assuming they wanted to, it was fair to ask if they would be able to continue grabbing top shelf Philly prospects.

Well… The answer is yes and yes.

With the commitment of Demetrius Lilley (Lower Merion/Philly Pride) to Penn State, joining Jameel Brown (Westtown/Team Final) Penn State has effectively demonstrated a commitment to recruiting Philly.

Jameel Brown is ranked #148 by Rivals. According to Rivals, Lilley is the #31 center.