Penn State’s men’s basketball program is undergoing a pronounced transformation as head coach Mike Rhoades implements a new-look coaching staff for the upcoming 2026‑27 season, aiming to build a more experienced and skilled team.
Promotion of Brent Scott
Brent Scott, who has worked alongside Rhoades for a decade at Rice University and Virginia Commonwealth University, now serves as associate head coach after a 14‑year professional playing career in Europe, bringing both playing experience and deep familiarity with Rhoades’ system.
The staff also welcomes Dwayne Stephens, a veteran assistant who spent 19 years at Michigan State before leading Western Michigan, adding decades of collegiate coaching expertise to the program.
Retaining Core Assistants
Rhoades retained longtime assistants Talor Battle and Clay Conner, ensuring continuity, while appointing Patrick Dorney as chief of staff to provide administrative oversight and support for the revamped staff.
The roster will look markedly different: nine scholarship players entered the transfer portal, leaving only three from the previous season, and the program currently has 11 signed commitments, including two European prospects awaiting NCAA eligibility clearance.
Among those who left, Jamal Brunt is headed to Syracuse and Joe Crispin has taken a head‑coaching position at the United States Air Force Academy, illustrating the broader impact of the staff changes across college basketball.
Rhoades says the combination of a seasoned coaching cadre and a more veteran lineup is intended to increase competitiveness in the Big Ten and to position Penn State for a deeper run in the NCAA tournament.