A major misfortune midway through last season might turn out to be the catalyst for the good fortunes Penn State is expecting in the 2008-09 men's basketball season.

When senior star Geary Claxton had a season-ending knee injury, coach Ed DeChellis was forced to reconfigure his lineup and give extended minutes to some players who otherwise would have had limited roles.

"It was an opportunity for guys that were able to step up and insert themselves into the offense and defense and make some basketball plays," DeChellis said. "I think guys really grew up and had to grow up quickly."

All of those players are back from a 15-16 team that knocked off No. 7 Michigan State, 85-76, and No. 17 Indiana, 68-64, in overtime: Jamelle Cornley (12.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg), Talor Battle (10.2 ppg, team-high 40 steals). Danny Morrissey (7.6 ppg), Stanley Pringle (6.9 ppg) and David Jackson (5.8 ppg).

The Nittany Lions also can expect significant contributions from 6-foot-5 freshmen Chris Babb and Cammeron Woodyard.

"I think it was important our players made big shots and gained some confidence as the year went on," said DeChellis, who is entering his sixth season as head coach.

"I think we can compete every night. We can beat anyone in the country. I don't know if I could have said that six years ago, there's no way."

The Nittany Lions got an early start when they played four exhibition games in Toronto in September.

"We won them all and we grew as a team," DeChellis said.

"It was a great bonding experience. It helped our freshmen tremendously. It puts you ahead somewhat, no question. It let us experiment on some things and find out what we wanted to use and what we didn't want to use."

DeChellis added after a pause: "And it helped Jamelle get his confidence back."

Cornley, who played through a lot of pain last season that kept him out of a number of games and limited the time he could practice, had offseason surgery on his left knee.

"He's back with the same bounce," DeChellis said. "He just had to see that he could still do what he used to be able to do. We have to know every night what we're getting from some of our guys. Jamelle is one. We have to know the amount of touches he's going to get."

Penn State opens the season tonight with a home game against William & Mary.

"I think we're ready to start. I can count on one hand how many bad practices we've had. This team has a lot of potential," DeChellis said.

"The journey begins ... it's a long season."