A year ago, Mike Watkins was going through some difficult times off the court, and thus was not available for the start of his redshirt junior season.

Twelve months later, there is a noticeable change in how Watkins carries himself, and his teammates and coaches have been eager for the big man to show his growth on the basketball court.

It turns out that Watkins would be targeted early and often in Penn State’s season opener against Maryland Eastern Shore on Tuesday, and he would answer the call.

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“I thought he played really good basketball tonight,” Pat Chambers said.