When looking at the current state of the Penn State basketball team, you might be concerned. After the season came to an end with a loss to Indiana in the Big Ten Tournament, the Nittany Lions started to look ahead to the future. Now, the transfer portal has opened where we have seen multiple Nittany Lions exit the program to find homes elsewhere. But Mike Rhoades delivered a powerful message that should make Penn State fans feel excited for the future of the program.
Mike Rhoades has powerful message for the future at Penn State
The buzz surrounding the Penn State basketball team was at an all-time high during the 2022-2023 season. The Nittany Lions had an identity, played in the Big Ten Championship game, and played and advanced in the NCAA tournament. Then Micah Shrewsberry left the Nittany Lions to become the head coach at Notre Dame.
Mike Rhoades joined the Nittany Lions ahead of the 2023-2024 season and just wrapped up his first year while being the head man for Penn State. It’s safe to say the team exceeded expectations this season, but what does Mike Rhoades think about the future of the program? He expressed that during his media availability last week.
Rhoades stated, “I know we can get it done at Penn State. I know it’s going to be really hard. I know I have some great support. I know there’s some things that are different right now when people are dealing with men’s basketball, Penn State basketball than before.
And I think I have people that are really looking to help me push the envelope to move this program forward. I feel that and I’m excited about that. And I’m not going to stop that.
You’re gonna have to kill me before you stop me from trying to move this program forward.”
The Nittany Lions will need to use the transfer portal
While Penn State has lost a few players to the transfer portal, Mike Rhoades will need to dip back in to find the right players for next season’s roster. One of those players could potentially be former Drexel star Amari Williams who decided to open his options for the future, simultaneously declaring for the NBA Draft and entering the transfer portal last week.
Joe Tipon of On3 reports that the Nittany Lions are one of many teams that have reached out to Williams, but he could be a key piece in the future of Penn State basketball if Mike Rhoades can earn a commitment.
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