Mike Rhoades could retain two Penn State basketball transfers

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — This afternoon, Penn State University introduced Mike Rhoades as the school’s new head basketball coach. Many members of the media, student section, and players were in attendance for the press conference, including two major names for the Penn State basketball team: Evan Mahaffey and Jameel Brown, who are currently in the transfer portal. From the looks of things, despite being in the portal, there is a chance that Rhoades could retain two of Penn State’s younger players after Shrewsberry’s exit.

Despite entering the transfer portal this week, Evan Mahaffey and Jameel Brown are both in attendance for Mike Rhoades’ introductory press conference

— Seth Engle (@bigsengtweets) March 30, 2023

Two Penn State basketball transfers in attendance for Mike Rhoades’ press conference

After Micah Shrewsberry left Penn State basketball, the program essentially crumbled into dust. After finishing 23-14 overall with a NCAA tournament win and more, the Nittany Lions went from an all-time high to an all-time low just over a week ago. Once Shrewsberry left Penn State, a series exits followed, including 12 players (via decommits, the portal, the draft, and graduation), and a few assistants as well.

Two Penn State basketball transfers — Evan Mahaffey and Jameel Brown — were in attendance for today’s Mike Rhoades press conference despite having their names in the transfer portal. While nothing has been said about their status by the players, program, coaching staff, or otherwise, it appears that there is a chance that both players stick around, or are considering it at the very least. Mike Rhoades is gearing up to turn Penn State into a winner for the long-term, which could be enticing for the players and staff if they choose to stick around.

Pair of 2021 recruits could stick around

Evan Mahaffey and Jameel Brown were both members of the 2021 Penn State basketball recruiting class. With a lack of players on the roster right now, Brown and Mahaffey sticking around in Happy Valley would be massive for the program. Both players were rated as three-star recruits by the 247 Sports composite rankings — Mahaffey was ranked as the No. 42 small forward and the No. 6 player in Ohio, while Brown was ranked as the No. 20 shooting guard and No. 5 player in Pennsylvania out of high school.

With some major changes coming up for the Nittany Lions, these two players will be a big storyline to follow throughout the Penn State basketball offseason.

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!