Hassell Switches to Penn State
Germantown, OH (May 25, 2004)— In life some thing's are more important than others. School and sports are both definitely some of the number one priorities for high school students today, but to one senior at Valley View High family comes before everything.
Brandon Hassell chose to change his destination for his continued basketball career to Penn State University, over Wisconsin Green Bay, a move that happened suddenly this past week.
"I chose to go to Penn State because of the situation with my dad switching jobs. I didn't want all of us driving all around. I wanted my dad to be able to drive and see me play," Hassell commented.
"It came down to Brandon and his family. He had to feel comfortable with the situation and not only the basketball situation but the academics too. Penn State is known for their athletics and academics," Coach Brian Gunter said.
In March Hassell verbally committed with Green Bay. At that time he said that he had started looking into colleges his junior year and wanted to go somewhere that fit him and his family.
A piece of the puzzle was missing at Green Bay, the distance. He found that piece with Penn State.
"It's a good fit for Brandon. It suits him really well. The type of basketball. The transition of offense will help him on the court, his perimeter style," Gunter said.
Everything else concerning Penn State is just what Hassell wants. The team is lead by head coach Ed DeChellis, who will be coaching for his second year at Penn State.
"Everything is great. DeChellis is a great coach and academically the school is great," Hassell noted.
Hassell made everything final last Wednesday when he signed a national letter of intent with the school, voiding his verbal commitment to Wisconsin and making him a Nittany Lion.
The Nittany Lions went 9-19 this past season and were looking for another big man to add to their roster this season.
They seem to havefound him in Hassell.
Hassell is a 6'9" senior who finished off his last season of high school ball with an average of16.8 points and 12.3 rebounds. The standout player also earned two school records while with the Spartans as he captured 40 points against Brookville and 23 rebounds at Stivers. Hassell was a third-team Southwest District pick, first-team All-league pick and selected for first-team by Miller-Publishing.
When Hassell steps up, he steps up big. When he's on fire the flames blaxe while the audience stares in amazement. Hassell's goal is to remain consistent and to continue to improve his already great skills.
Now it's obvious that the 6'9" senior made his mark at his high school and he doesn't want to stop there.
"I want to improve my shot and become overall a stronger player. I might get some playing time this year, but I still have got give it my all at every practice," Hassell commented.
After his graduation, on Saturday, Hassell will have a month to prepare for his new life at Penn State University Both on and off the court.
"It's been such a pleasure to be his coach. He's a tremendous athlete. I'm absolutely thrilled for Brandon, his family and the entire community. His best days are ahead of him," Gunter stated.
