A Revamped Roster
Summer workouts at Penn State have entered their sixth week, marking the first public look at a completely new roster under head coach Mike Rhoades. The team is using this period to build chemistry among nine newcomers and the lone returning starter.
Ivan Juri, the only starter who returned from last season, is poised to assume a larger role. The center has added roughly 40 pounds since arriving on campus and is working to translate his freshman promise into a more dominant presence in the paint.
Rhoades deliberately targeted older, experienced players after the Nittany Lions finished 12‑20 and placed last in the Big Ten a year ago. Six of the nine transfers bring at least two seasons of collegiate experience, a move designed to inject maturity into a squad that was among the youngest in the conference.
Among the most notable additions is Brant Byers, a Chambersburg native who transferred from Miami (Ohio). At Miami, Byers helped an undefeated regular‑season team and posted averages of 14.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. He has spoken about the value of consistency and ignoring external noise as he prepares for his first year in State College.
The program is also awaiting the arrival of two international commits, Roko Prkain and Francois Wibaut. Both players spent the previous season competing professionally in France, bringing a European style of play that Rhoades hopes will diversify the team's offensive options.
Beyond on‑court considerations, the staff is monitoring eligibility issues and the evolving name, image and likeness landscape. Penn State currently trails many Big Ten peers in NIL resources, a factor that could influence recruiting and player retention.
Former Nittany Lion Josh Reed has recently filed a lawsuit against the NCAA seeking an additional year of eligibility, a development that adds another layer of complexity to the team's roster planning.
Coach Rhoades has repeatedly emphasized that the college basketball environment is shifting daily. "We have to be adaptable," he said, "and we must stay ahead of the changes if we want to compete."