Watkins Optimistic For PSU Future

WASHINGTON D.C. - Mike Watkins’ redshirt freshman season at Penn State ended with a view from the bench.

His Nittany Lions were routed 78-51 by Michigan State in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament, Watkins' contribution just six points on 3 of 6 shooting from the floor to go along with five rebounds and a pair of blocks. Coming off 18 points, 11 rebounds and eight blocks Wednesday in Penn State’s 76-67 overtime win against Nebraska, Watkins finale had not gone the way he’d hoped.

Still, the 6-foot-9 forward was optimistic.

Set to return a core of talented young players of which he is included, Watkins said the Nittany Lions are determined to be a better team next season.

“The season itself was just a rollercoaster of ups and downs, but we're a young team. It was a learning experience for us,” said Watkins. “So by coming back next year, we're going to be dialed in. We're going to be two times stronger. Now we got a smell of what the Big Ten and the conference is about, so we're going to be ready next year.”

Clearing up any innuendo to the contrary in recent days, Watkins also clarified his status with the program moving forward.

“I will be back,” he said. “I’m coming back next year, definitely.”

Thursday, Watkins was particularly frustrated by officiating he admittedly hadn’t become accustomed to through the course of his first year of action in the Big Ten.

Though he did not foul out at any point this year, Watkins’ 83 personal fouls were second at Penn State only to Josh Reaves’ 84. Routinely sent to the bench as a result, Watkins’ playing time was reduced to 23.8 minutes per game, in which he still averaged 8.1 rebounds and 9.7 points.

“It's very hard,” he said. “I felt bad. The calls were horrible, but they say the harder team gets the calls so I guess that's why they got the calls and put me in foul trouble and they sat me down.”