Family ties to Penn State
Jarrett Stephens, a former Penn State basketball player, shares a familial bond that could deepen the program’s internal connections and fan engagement.
Dwayne DJ Stephens, a coach with nearly three decades of collegiate experience, has accepted an assistant role on the Penn State men’s basketball staff for the 2026‑27 season.
His career includes a four‑year head coaching tenure at Western Michigan and a 19‑year stretch at Michigan State, where he contributed to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and six Final Four runs.
During his time in East Lansing he helped develop NBA players such as Draymond Green, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Miles Bridges, each of whom have established themselves in professional basketball.
Prior to Michigan State he refined his craft at Oakland University and later at Marquette, building a foundation of recruiting acumen and player development.
The athletic department highlighted the hire as a strategic boost, emphasizing Stephens’s Big Ten pedigree and his proven ability to elevate program performance.
With his extensive background and family connection to the university, Stephens is expected to play a pivotal role as Penn State aims to strengthen its roster and pursue deeper runs in upcoming tournaments.