Back to the Penn State Nittany Lions Newsfeed

Jordan Norwood retires: Former coach, teammates recall ‘unassuming’ star at State College, Penn State

Former State College boys’ basketball coach Drew Frank can still remember the scene, even more than a decade later.

After receiving his state championship medal in Hershey, back in 2003, Jordan Norwood finally — finally — cracked a little bit of a smile and embraced his coach.

Norwood had shown little emotion during the Little Lions boys’ basketball team’s win over Chester in the PIAA Class 4A title game. He stayed cool when he got into foul trouble and he kept his focus when the rest of the arena erupted after a big alley-oop dunk.

It wasn’t until he left the court — after the medal and trophy ceremony and celebration the court — that Norwood let his guard down.