REPORT: Ex-Penn State basketball big man transfers to in-state program

Former Penn State basketball big man Demetrius Lilley appears set to return close to home after entering the transfer portal two weeks ago. According to reports Monday evening, the ex-Nittany Lions center will transfer to in-state La Salle for his final three seasons of eligibility. Lilley was one of four Nittany Lions to transfer out following the end of the 2023-24 season, and the fifth member of the roster to hit the portal overall.

Demetrius Lilley transferring to La Salle, per reports

Demetrius Lilley arrived in Happy Valley full of potential, a member of the last recruiting class signed by Micah Shrewsberry in 2022. Out of Lower Merion High School, the 6-10, 260-pound center was a consensus three-star prospect and the No. 9 overall recruit in Pennsylvania, per the On3 Industry Rankings.

Lilley played sparingly as a true freshman but worked to get his weight down ahead of this season, listed at 245 pounds on the 2023-24 Penn State basketball roster. He appeared in 20 games for Mike Rhoades this year, averaging 2.8 points and 2.7 rebounds in just under 10 minutes per appearance. Lilley officially entered the transfer portal on March 20.

According to reports from Ari Rosenfeld on Monday evening, Demetrius Lilley is set to return to the Philadelphia area with a commitment to La Salle. A member of the Atlantic 10, the Explorers went 16-17 this past season. La Salle had previously offered Lilley out of high school.

Penn State transfer Demetrius Lilley has committed to La Salle, per source.

A skilled 6’9” post + product of @aceshoops/@PhillyPrideAAU, Lilley projects as a focal point up front for the Explorers. Has 2 years to play after averaging 2.8ppg/2.7rpg over 2 years in Happy Valley https://t.co/XrGaajBP7q pic.twitter.com/qTBJZT5vFP

— Ari Rosenfeld (@ARosenfeldHoops) April 1, 2024

Penn State basketball transfer portal tracker

Demetrius Lilley becomes the second former Penn State basketball player to find a home out of the transfer portal. On Friday, dismissed Nittany Lions guard Kanye Clary committed to Mississippi State. Bragi Guðmundsson, Favour Aire, and Jameel Brown have yet to announce portal destinations. 

On Saturday, Mike Rhoades and Penn State basketball made their first addition from the transfer portal, landing a commitment from Xavier center Kachi Nzeh. The 6-8, 230-pound big man comes to Happy Valley with three years to play.

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