Centre Daily Times | 03/30/2005 | Departures leaving nobody laughing:
“Maybe there’s a new version of the legendary Abbott & Costello routine being played in the halls of the Bryce Jordan Center.
Instead of ‘Who’s on First?’ it’s becoming, ‘Who’s Left?’
“With players leaving in both the men’s and women’s basketball programs at Penn State over the last week, one does have to wonder who will be filling all of those Nittany Lion uniforms.
“Since the end of the 2001 season, 11 men’s players and nine women’s players have left their respective teams with eligibility remaining. Regardless of why the decisions were made or who made them, 20 is an awful big number.
“While the men’s losses are greater, that program has undergone a major coaching change. It’s not uncommon for players to leave a program after a coaching change and seven have left since Ed DeChellis took control following the 2003 campaign.
“It’s the exodus with the Penn State women’s program that is more puzzling. That program not only has a constant leader, but it also has been a success.
“Over the last four seasons, the Lady Lions have won 96 games, two Big Ten regular-season titles and gone to the NCAA Tournament four times.
Usually, success does not breed discontent. …”