Building a winning program in the Big Ten isn't just about finding guys who can jump high. It's about chemistry, defensive grit, and lately, navigating a roster turnover that would make most coaches dizzy. If you’ve looked at the penn state university basketball roster recently, you’ve probably noticed it looks wildly different from the one that took the floor just eighteen months ago.
Mike Rhoades is currently in the middle of a massive construction project. Honestly, it’s a total overhaul. The 2025-26 season has been defined by a "next man up" mantra that's been tested to its absolute limit. Between the professional jump made by Yanic Konan Niederhauser—who made history as a first-round NBA pick for the program—and a string of mid-season injuries to key ball-handlers, the rotation at the Bryce Jordan Center is basically a revolving door of young talent and international intrigue.
The Core Names on the 2025-26 Penn State University Basketball Roster
Right now, the conversation starts and ends with the backcourt. Or at least, it did until the injury bug bit. Freddie Dilione V has emerged as the clear alpha. He's a redshirt junior who transferred in from Tennessee, and when he's on, he’s a walking bucket. He’s been averaging around 15 points per game, taking on a massive usage rate.
But here is the kicker. As of mid-January 2026, Dilione is dealing with a nasty ankle sprain.
Then you’ve got Kayden Mingo. He was the highest-ranked recruit in Penn State history, a consensus top-40 guy who chose Happy Valley over some serious blue bloods. Mingo isn’t just hype; he’s been the primary playmaker, leading the team in assists (4.5 per game) and steals (2.5 per game). Seeing him and Dilione both on the sidelines during the recent UCLA game was a tough pill for fans to swallow.
The frontcourt has its own story. Ivan Jurić, the seven-foot freshman from Croatia, has been a revelation. He’s shooting over 60% from the floor. He isn't just big; he’s efficient. Alongside him, you’ll see Josh Reed, a senior transfer from Cincinnati who provides that "glue guy" energy every Big Ten team needs.
Why the International Pipeline Matters So Much
Mike Rhoades and his staff have clearly decided that the best way to compete with the NIL giants in the conference is to look where others aren't. The penn state university basketball roster is now heavily flavored with international talent.
- Melih Tunca: A 6-foot-5 guard from Turkey. He played pro ball back home, and you can see it in his poise.
- Sasa Ciani: A Slovenian forward who actually played with Luka Doncic on the national team. He brings a level of physical toughness that most freshmen simply don't have.
- Tibor Mirtič: Another Slovenian addition who stretches the floor at 6-foot-9.
This isn't an accident. By recruiting seasoned international players, Penn State is getting "older" without necessarily relying on fifth-year seniors who might leave after one season. These guys have played against grown men in European leagues. They don't get rattled by a loud crowd at the Breslin Center or Assembly Hall.
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The Current Rotation and Depth Chart
When everyone is healthy—which, let's be real, hasn't happened much lately—the rotation is actually pretty deep. Rhoades likes to play fast. He wants to force turnovers. To do that, you need fresh legs.
Dominick Stewart and Jahvin Carter have had to grow up fast. Stewart, a sophomore guard, has seen his minutes spike with the recent injuries. He’s a pesky defender who fits the "Ace Baldwin lite" mold that Rhoades loves. Carter, meanwhile, provides a spark off the bench as a shooter.
In the paint, Kachi Nzeh provides some bounce. He’s a sophomore who transferred from Xavier, and while he isn't a high-volume scorer, his ability to switch onto guards in pick-and-roll situations is vital for the defensive scheme. Then there's Mason Blackwood, a 6-foot-7 freshman from New York who has the versatility to play multiple positions.
Managing the Injury Crisis
The reality of the penn state university basketball roster right now is that it’s being held together by tape and grit. Coach Rhoades admitted after the UCLA loss that they simply "couldn't afford" to lose Dilione and Mingo at the same time.
It’s a balancing act. You want to win now, but you can't rush a five-star freshman like Mingo back and risk a long-term setback. This means we are seeing a lot more of guys like Eli Rice, the Nebraska transfer who has struggled to find his rhythm but remains one of the best pure shooters on the squad.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Team
A lot of casual observers look at the Big Ten standings and assume Penn State is just "rebuilding." That’s a lazy take.
They aren't just rebuilding; they are retooling the entire identity of the program. Last season, they had the highest-scoring offense in school history, averaging over 79 points per game. They beat top-10 teams like Purdue. The talent is there. The issue isn't a lack of skill; it's a lack of continuity.
When you lose a defensive anchor like Ace Baldwin Jr. and a breakout star like Niederhauser to the NBA in the same cycle, you're going to have growing pains. The "Rhoades Way" involves a specific type of defensive pressure that takes months to master. The freshmen are learning it on the fly, which leads to those frustrating scoring droughts we saw against UCLA.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you are following this team or looking at the penn state university basketball roster for scouting purposes, keep an eye on these three things:
- The Return Timeline: The health of Mingo and Dilione determines the ceiling. Without them, the offense lacks a "north-south" threat.
- Free Throw Efficiency: This is a sneaky strength. This roster, led by Mingo and Dilione, is excellent at getting to the line and converting. In close conference games, that's the difference between a W and an L.
- The International Synergy: Watch how Jurić and Tunca communicate on defense. Their chemistry is ahead of schedule, and as they get more comfortable with the American style of play, their impact will only grow.
The Nittany Lions might be struggling through a four-game skid right now, but the foundation of this roster is the most talented it has been in decades. The next step for this group is finding a way to win the "ugly" games when the shots aren't falling and the stars are in walking boots.