USD Men's Basketball 1999-2000

rnw~ffi[ru w~ru~~rn CONTINUED (17.1 ppg, 4.3 apg). He spurred the Buckeyes to a remark– able 27-9 record and ninth Final Four appearance in school history. "Football makes news

around Columbus, but it's great to make people real– ize basketball is back," Penn said. "After last season, I don't think you can help but be interested. We had an exciting team last year, and I think we'll be just as excit– ing this year." For his efforts, Penn was named 1999 Big Ten Player of the Year and Third-Team All-America by the Associat– ed Press. But awards don't really convey the impact this 5-10, 185-pound Tonka truck of a point guard had on a Buck– eye program that had been in hibernation for the better part of the 1990s. Nor will they tell you about the heart of a play– er who believes history can repeat itself. "Last year, we really did– n't know what to expect," said Penn. "But this year, we have a lot of confidence heading into the season. Many of our guys have placed expecta– tions on themselves, which is good. Coach O'Brien will also have high expectations. He'll push us hard this year, but that's the way it should be. I like being pushed . "Our goal is to win the Big Ten, but we're not going to be satisfied with that. I feel we can win the national title." But Penn nearly passed on this season's quest for a future in the NBA. "There were temptations to leave early, great ones actually," he admitted . "But I thought about this team's potential and I just wanted to be a part of it. Si!ting out after

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