Matthew Niland

Contributing Writer 

mjn5514@psu.edu

In the hallowed halls of Penn State Behrend, there is a basketball legend quietly etching his name into the annals of sports history. His name is Tommy “Bones” DiRienzo, a Junior forward whose prowess on the court has not only earned him accolades but has also propelled the Behrend Lions to new heights. This season, Tommy has clinched the prestigious AMCC Player of the Year award, a testament to his dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to the game.

Tommy’s journey to the pinnacle of collegiate basketball achievement began at Penn State Behrend, where he has become the heartbeat of the Lions’ basketball team. Averaging an impressive 18.9 points per game and 6.4 rebounds per game, Tommy has not only been a scoring machine but also a force to be reckoned with under the boards. His all-around performance has been instrumental in Behrend’s remarkable season, finishing second in the conference with a commendable 20-7 record.

What sets Tommy apart, however, is not just his statistics but his unyielding work ethic and humility. Known as one of the hardest workers to grace the Behrend court, Tommy has dedicated his life to perfecting his craft. His teammates and coaches speak of his relentless pursuit of excellence, both in practice and during games. In a world where ego often overshadows talent, Tommy remains a beacon of humility, always attributing his success to the collective efforts of his team.

“I am extremely appreciative and thankful for my teammates and coaches. We have an unselfish group, and all the credit goes to them. We have a relentless group of guys that are always pushing each other in practice. I’m thankful for our coaches who always push us to be a better team through and through. I also want to thank everyone in the entire athletic department for helping us succeed and become the best team we can be,” says Tommy, with a humility that belies his on-court dominance.

As Behrend heads into more postseason play, Tommy remains the linchpin of their ambitions. With one more season left in his collegiate career, the basketball world eagerly awaits the encore of Tommy “Bones” DiRienzo. It’s not just about winning awards for Tommy; it’s about leaving a lasting legacy and pushing his team to greater heights.

The journey doesn’t end here for Behrend. As they gear up for the ECAC tournament, the Lions find themselves on the road to Juniata College, where they will face off against St. Vincent. The stakes are high, and the competition is fierce, but with Tommy leading the charge, Behrend is hoping to come out with a trophy. The journey to greatness is often paved with challenges, but with a player like Tommy “Bones” DiRienzo at the helm, the Lions hope to come out victorious.

In the world of college basketball, where dreams are nurtured and destinies shaped, Tommy’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. As the Behrend Lions continue their quest for glory, one thing is certain the legend of Tommy “Bones” DiRienzo will resonate in the halls of Penn State Behrend for years to come.