1. Avoid more of the same
Breaking away from the cycle of losing has turned into Penn State's mission statement. The only problem is, the Lions aren't accomplishing that mission. They've won, in order, seven, seven, nine and seven games the past four seasons. Most of those wins came against teams such as Sacred Heart, Cleveland State and Northeastern. Worse, the losing has prompted player dissatisfaction and player departure. In the offseason, Aaron Johnson, the team's second-leading scorer and most experienced player, decided to leave the program. Since Ed DeChellis took over the team, he has lost several of his most talented players, including Marlon Smith, who averaged 13.4 points per game two seasons ago as a freshman.

2. A team of his own
When DeChellis accepted the job in April 2003, he inherited a roster of players who had signed to play for the Lions -- but not for DeChellis. More than a half-dozen players have left, but DeChellis welcomed the turnover, calling it an essential byproduct of change for the better. He finally has a roster of players who are committed to him, his style and his long-term goals. Not counting guard Danny Morrissey, out with an injury, the Lions return five lettermen and three starters. They also add seven new players to the roster. But they will face a talent deficit by the time Big Ten play rolls around.

3. Find star power
Penn State doesn't just need some wins. It needs a face. Swingman Geary Claxton presents the best chance of developing into the kind of prolific player the Lions have lacked since Joe Crispin made the Army haircut popular in State College. Last season, as a freshman, Claxton led the team in scoring, averaging 12.7 ppg. At 6-foot-5, he has the size of a guard but also has the wingspan (about 85 inches) of a power forward, the position he played in high school. Uncertainty about Claxton's position caused many basketball programs to recoil, explaining how he landed at Penn State. And how, when he takes the court this season, he'll be carrying much of the scoring load.

-- By Chico Harlan