Penn State basketball’s players to watch in 2023-24

Penn State basketball is gearing up for the 2023-24 season after making their first NCAA Tournament appearance in over a decade. Although many key players have left due to graduation or transfers, new head coach Mike Rhoades has managed to bring in a talented group of players from the transfer portal. These players have the opportunity to make a name for themselves while playing for Penn State. Let’s take a closer look at some of the players to watch this season.

1. Ace Baldwin: VCU star transfer Ace Baldwin is expected to be the top player on the team. Standing at 6’1″, Baldwin will lead the offense and be a defensive presence as well. He was named Atlantic-10 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year last season at VCU, averaging 12.7 points, 5.8 assists, and 2.2 steals per game.

2. Kanye Clary: One of the few players remaining from the previous coaching regime, Kanye Clary showed promise during the Big Ten and NCAA Tournaments. Despite having a limited role, Clary’s speed and quickness allowed him to make an impact on both ends of the court. As a sophomore, he will have a bigger role and will be a key player for the team.

3. Nick Kern Jr.: Another transfer from VCU, Nick Kern has the ideal physique for a wing player in a Power-5 conference. Standing at 6’6″ with long arms, he is a disruptive force on defense. Although he only averaged 5.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.7 steals per game last season, Kern has the potential to do much more.

4. Qudus Wahab: At 6’11”, Qudus Wahab adds much-needed size to the team. He started his career at Georgetown before transferring to Maryland and then back to Georgetown again. Now, he’s at Penn State for this season. With career averages of 8.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game, Wahab brings valuable experience and skill to the team.

5. Puff Johnson: Puff Johnson didn’t quite live up to expectations during his time at North Carolina. However, the 6’8″ wing player has the potential to make a big impact at Penn State. Known for his versatility on both ends of the floor, Johnson could showcase his untapped potential in a Nittany Lions jersey.

6. Zach Hicks: Zach Hicks, a 6’8″ wing player, is an intriguing addition to the team. Known for his volume three-point shooting, Hicks previously played at Temple before transferring to Penn State. He is a career 33.9% three-point shooter and a solid rebounder, averaging 5.1 rebounds per game last season.

These players, alongside the rest of the team, have the potential to make the upcoming season an exciting one for Penn State basketball. Stay tuned for their journey on the court.

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Laura Davis

Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.