Brandon Austin has always played on championship teams at Imhotep Charter. Austin helped Imhotep Charter win the Public League, city and state championships last year. The 6-foot-6, 175-pound junior, will take his winning ways to Penn State, where he has given an oral commitment to play for the Nittany Lions.

“I want to help them win basketball games,” Austin said. “I’ve won a lot of games here. We’ve won championships. I feel like I can really help their program. I like the coaches at Penn State. Coach (Pat) Chambers (Penn State) is a good coach. I have a good relationship with him as well as the other coaches (Eugene Burroughs, Brian Daly, Keith Urgo). They have a good program. Penn State is in a good conference. They play some good basketball in the Big Ten.”

The Nittany Lions have a lot of coaches from the Philadelphia area. Penn State also has D.J. Newbill, former Strawberry Mansion star, who will be playing for the Nittany Lions next season. Newbill transferred to Penn State from Southern Mississippi. Newbill was one of the top players in the city two years ago.

“I know D.J. very well,” Austin said. “I played against him in high school. He’s a great player. He’ll be able to really help them out. I’m looking forward to playing with him. I think we’ll be a good one-two punch.”

Austin chose Penn State over some real good basketball programs such as Syracuse, Georgetown, Temple and Rutgers. His early commitment means his decision is out of the way. He can now focus on defending the league championship.

“I had some great schools interested in me,” Austin said. “It wasn’t an easy decision. They all have good programs. I just really liked Penn State. I feel it’s a good place for me.”

Austin is averaging 10.6 points a game. He has played point guard, shooting guard and small forward for Imhotep Charter. Austin has a beautiful touch from the outside and can take the ball to the basket. He’s one of those players who does everything very smoothly on the court.

Andre Noble, Imhotep Charter head coach, believes Austin should do quite well at Penn State with his all-around skills as a player.

“I’m very happy for Brandon,” Noble said. “He had some good schools recruiting him. He’s going to play for Penn State. Brandon is one of the best juniors in the city. I think Brandon can play point guard in college. Actually, he can play either spot point guard or shooting guard. He does a good job of moving the ball. He enjoys making a good pass. He has good size. Brandon has won a lot of games here. He’ll be playing for Coach Chambers and coach Urgo and the rest of the staff. They’ve done a nice job up there.”

Austin should have a bright future at the next level.

Contact staff writer Donald Hunt at (215) 893-5719 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .