Four-star Michigan State transfer could be perfect addition to Mike Rhoades’ Penn State offense

This afternoon, Penn State University will likely have itself a new head basketball coach. Mike Rhoades — who stood out during his six seasons with the VCU Rams — will be coming home to central PA to coach the Penn State basketball team. The Nittany Lions may be in for a culture shock, though, as Rhoades coaches a unique, slower-paced style of ball, which directly contrasts with Micah Shrewsberry’s high-flying offenses. Recently, a former four-star shooter from Michigan State, Pierre Brooks, entered his name into the transfer portal, and could be exactly what Penn State needs right now.

Penn State basketball should pursue Michigan State transfer sharpshooter

Earlier today (Wednesday), Michigan State basketball rising junior small forward Pierre Brooks entered his name into the transfer portal. Out of high school, Brooks was rated as a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 58 player in the 2021 recruiting class, the No. 11 small forward, and the No. 4 player in the state of Michigan. A Detroit native, Brooks has strong ties to the Big Ten, and could be exactly what Mike Rhoades’ defensively-based basketball team could use.

Brooks has an impressive 6-foot-6, 220-pound frame and a strong offensive skillset to match. During his time in East Lansing, Brooks appeared to not reach his full potential, though the new Penn State basketball coaching staff could help him do exactly that. Brooks sent the following statement to On3 after entering the transfer portal:

“I would love to thank MSU for the opportunity to be on an amazing program these last two years. I have built a long lasting relationship with my teammate’s, coaches, and fans and I will always be grateful. Spartan Nation, I am thankful for everything that you guys have done and all of the support that you have given me through these past 2 years. I want to also thank Coach Izzo for taking a chance on me and giving me the opportunity to play for this amazing university.

“With all of this being said, it is time for me to start a new chapter of my career. I will be entering my name in the transfer portal and starting a new journey.”

With Rhoades being a first-year coach and the roster looking a bit messy, Pierre Brooks could have more time to gel with the new look Penn State basketball team as well as develop his defensive skillset under Rhoades. He would also likely be a top option for Penn State offensively, and will have a longer leash on his development, so the move could make sense for both parties involved. Last offseason alone, Mike Rhoades poached two former four-star recruits from the Michigan Wolverines, so he is no stranger to taking top talent from the transfer portal — he used that talent to lead the VCU Rams to an A-10 title and NCAA tournament berth this past season.

The Nittany Lions must hit the transfer portal this offseason

With another recruit requesting out of his NLI this morning, the Penn State basketball team is down to three total scholarship players — PSU is losing 12 thus far to the transfer portal, de-commitments, the NBA Draft, and graduation. When Mikes Rhoades gets to Penn State, he will need to go hunting for some outside talent; the good news is that there are still well over 1,000 players in the portal, including former Big Ten four-star prospect Pierre Brooks.

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