Penn State Basketball Prepares for 2026-27 Season

Penn State men's basketball is set to begin its 2026-27 season on November 2 against Canisius at the Bryce Jordan Center, marking the fourth year under coach Mike Rhoades. The team is coming off a disappointing last-place finish in the Big Ten and has undergone significant changes, with nearly all rotation players from the previous season leaving.

The Nittany Lions have brought in a new roster, including international transfers, and will rely on returning players like Josh Reed and seven-footer Ivan Jurić. Staff predictions suggest that while the team may show slight improvement, they will still face challenges in the competitive Big Ten conference.

Despite a weak non-conference schedule, expectations remain modest, with predictions of around 12 wins for the season. Concerns about the team's lack of experience and depth persist, as they aim to build chemistry and improve their performance from last year.