A New Era of Perimeter Threat
Penn State men's basketball announced the addition of Roberts Blums, a 6‑foot‑4 guard from Davidson College, on April 20, 2026. The Latvian native arrives in State College after a sophomore season that saw him lead the Wildcats in scoring and three‑point shooting, averaging 12.4 points per game and draining 77 treys.
Blums' shooting prowess was on full display last year, when his 77 made three‑pointers would have topped Penn State's team total from the previous season by a wide margin. Coach Mike Rhoades highlighted the guard's ability to stretch the floor, make quick decisions and create his own shot, noting that Blums has already exceeded the staff's expectations during offseason workouts.
Rhoades drew a parallel to last year's breakout star, Ivan Juric, whose emergence helped reshape the team's identity. Fans are hopeful that Blums can replicate that impact, providing a reliable outside threat that forces defenses to spread and opens driving lanes for teammates.
The signing marks a strategic move for the Nittany Lions as they look to bolster a perimeter attack that struggled for consistency in recent campaigns. With Freddie Dilione's 42 made threes from a season ago serving as a benchmark, the coaching staff believes Blums can push those numbers higher while also contributing defensively and in transition.
Off the court, Blums brings a global perspective, having grown up in Riga before starring at Davidson. His journey from European courts to the Big Ten reflects both his adaptability and his hunger to prove himself at a higher level of competition.