EA teased the revival of an NCAA college basketball video game on June 30, 17 years after the last edition was released.
Since the 2009-10 version was released, Penn State has had several high-level players make themselves known in Happy Valley from both the men’s and women’s squads.
These five athletes from the Nittany Lions and Lady Lions would’ve been must-have stars in the EA game if it was developed and released over the past 17 years.
Talor Battle
Penn State great Talor Battle is one of four NCAA Division I players to record 2,000 points, 600 rebounds and 500 assists in four seasons, and likely could’ve earned his picture on the cover during his prime.
In his senior year, Battle helped the blue and white to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 10 years, capping off his career with a dominant season where he recorded 20.2 points per game.
The No. 1 scorer in Nittany Lion history would’ve had high speed and a driving layup if he graced the game, or cover, of NCAA March Madness.
Makenna Marisa
According to coach Carolyn Kieger, Makenna Marisa put the Lady Lion jersey in a better place after her five-year career.
Penn State guard Makenna Marisa (20) dribbles the ball during the WBIT quarterfinal game against Mississippi State at the Bryce Jordan Center on Thursday, March 28, 2024 in University Park, Pa. The Lady Lions beat the Bulldogs 92-87.
Tyler Mantz
Marisa finished as the No. 4 scorer in Penn State history with 2,201 points, and her scoring was often videogame-like, especially in her junior year where she averaged 22.2 points per game.
Marisa’s highest attributes would likely be her close shot, mid-range and passing accuracy as she excelled within the arc during her time in Happy Valley.
Lamar Stevens
Lamar Stevens is the No. 2 scorer in Penn State history behind Battle, and he’s taken his talents to the NBA where he’s received video game rankings.
Stevens earned his highest attributes in the vertical, hustle and close range shot, receiving a 91, 90 and 87, respectively.
However, the 6-foot-6 forward has had several highlight reel plays during both his collegiate and NBA years that would be even more magnified if on a video game — Stevens would likely have some of the highest inside scoring and dunking attributes in the Big Ten.Â
Maggie Lucas
The No. 1 Lady Lions’ scorer in the post-NCAA 08 March Madness era would’ve been a must-have player for Penn State.
Maggie Lucas dominated the court during the blue and white’s 2010s run and would’ve dominated the videogame from deep and in the paint.
Lucas scored 2,510 points in four seasons despite starting in just one game her freshman year. Nearly half of Lucas’ points came from behind the arc, as she also finished with the most 3-pointers in Lady Lion history.
Penn State Men’s Basketball guard Andrew Funk (10) shoots the ball in the Penn State vs. Texas A&M at the Wells Fargo Arena on March 16, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. Penn State defeats Texas A&M (76-59).
Katelyn Supancik
Andrew Funk
Another 3-point Nittany Lion legend is Andrew Funk, who’s deep shot was video-game like at Penn State and would be even more surreal in the game itself.
In his singular season with the blue and white, Funk scored the second-most 3-pointers in a season, draining 112 triples.
Funk has since made an appearance in NBA 2K25, where his 3-point shooting ranks as his second-highest attribute at 80.
If Funk had appeared in the video game while at Penn State, he would likely have had many more games similar to his iconic NCAA Tournament first round performance against Texas A&M.
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