Penn State’s youth continues to draw attention around the Big Ten, and the latest example came from an opposing coach. As the Nittany Lions continue to have some young guys who step up, Minnesota saw what it was all about during the weekend.
The showing was brighter following Penn State’s game against Minnesota, where Kayden Mingo once again showed why he’s becoming such a difficult cover. Even when the stat line doesn’t jump off the page, Mingo’s impact is felt, hitting a game-winner against Minnesota.
After the game, Niko Medved, head coach of the Golden Gophers, offered his thoughts on what makes Kayden Mingo such a challenge.
“He's so electric and quick getting downhill,” Medved said, per the Daily Collegian. “He plays with such balance, too. He's able to get by guys, and he plays on balance. He can play off of two feet. He uses his pivots well. I mean, yeah, he's an aggressive attacking kid. He's got a really, really bright future. He made a three tonight, too. We know the game plan with him is to try to keep him out of the paint, and that can be easier said than done. He was able to get his shoulder by us too many times and get to the lane and get to the rack and score.”
Minnesota clearly entered the game looking to keep him out of the paint, just as all teams, but his willingness to step into a three adds another layer of scoring if he can start making them. He was 1-4 from three.
For Penn State, Mingo and the rest of the young core can reshape its ceiling moving forward. Mingo doesn’t need to score 40 a night, as he didn’t here with 14 on 17 shots, but he can influence the game in a lot of ways and showed that by staying with it and making a play at the end of the game.
Opposing coaches don’t hand out praise lightly, especially in Big Ten play. Medved’s comments weren’t just him being a nice coach, but about respecting one of the bright young players in the conference.