To view this upcoming season as a success, Rhoades wants to see one thing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWinning,\u201d Rhoades said before pausing for a moment. \u201cLet’s go out and win.\u201d<\/p>\n
Penn State hasn\u2019t been known for winning recently. Last season, the Nittany Lions finished 12-20. Rhoades is 44-52 in charge, including an 18-42 record in Big Ten play.<\/p>\n
But Rhoades is determined to change that<\/a> this year with a revamped roster he has called older and tougher.<\/a> Here\u2019s what we learned about the Nittany Lions during their local media day at the Bryce Jordan Center on Wednesday that could help them win more games.<\/p>\n Roko Prka\u010din eligibility decision could come soon Penn State men’s basketball player Roko Prka\u010din watches as the Nittany Lions play an exhibition game vs. Drexel in Philadelphia. | Will Horstman | Penn State on SI<\/p>\n Rhoades is \u201cvery hopeful\u201d that forward Roko Prka\u010din will be eligible for the 2026-27 season. The NCAA is reviewing Prka\u010din\u2019s status, and the Nittany Lions are \u201chonoring\u201d that process, Rhoades said.<\/p>\n Penn State general manager Scott Pera said the holdup is because the NCAA has to review international players\u2019 eligibility at schools across the country. Pera said the NCAA has all the information it needs about Prka\u010din, and he believes the NCAA is \u201cclose to a decision.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe’d be extremely disappointed [if Prka\u010din gets ruled ineligible], only because some other kids in similar situations got eligible,\u201d Pera said. \u201cFrom my speculation, it’s just a total speculation, we’re optimistic.\u201d<\/p>\n Prka\u010din, 23, played in the top professional league<\/a> in France last season. He\u2019s been playing professionally overseas since the 2020-21 season. Pera said the NCAA is aware that Penn State\u2019s season starts Monday, and the team would like a decision before then.<\/p>\n While his eligibility is up in the air, Prka\u010din said he can practice and participate in other team activities but can\u2019t play in games. He\u2019s looking forward to playing after missing both exhibitions because of his eligibility status.<\/p>\n \u201cI think I can help with rebounding, and I’m gonna bring some size also to the court,\u201d Prka\u010din said. \u201cI just want to enjoy basketball and help everybody out.\u201d<\/p>\n How Mike Rhoades is fixing main issue from exhibition games Penn State men’s basketball coach Mike Rhoades guides the Nittany Lions in an exhibition game vs. Drexel in Philadelphia. | Will Horstman | Penn State on SI<\/p>\n Penn State went 2-0<\/a> in its preseason, but it wasn\u2019t perfect as the record. Notably, the Nittany Lions had to battle back from early deficits to win each game.<\/p>\n So, Rhoades said it is \u201c1A on the list\u201d to fix the slow start issue after a 68-57 win over Drexel on Monday. To accomplish that, it starts in practice.<\/p>\n \u201cCertain days, we do start the game [drills] where we throw it up like a jump ball, and we play as hard as we can to the first media timeout,\u201d Rhoades said. \u201cThat’s something I’ve always done. I always think that helps. We got to do that more with these guys, changing up some lineups with certain guys playing with other guys as well.\u201d<\/p>\n Penn State fell behind 23-17 in the first half against Drexel and made a 15-point comeback in its 68-65 win over St. Bonaventure. Big Ten opponents won\u2019t be as forgiving as the Dragons and the Bonnies, and poor first halves were an issue last season as well.<\/p>\n In a brief session of practice open to the media, Rhoades had his players work on fast-break and shooting drills. There was a lot of action on the court during these drills, as Rhoades looked to get his players energized at the start of practice.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cYou can’t ease into things and get in the flow,\u201d Rhoades said. \u201cYou’re down 10 [points], you’re down 15, and you’re giving other people that momentum, and you got to go get your own momentum to start the game. We got to work on it.\u201d<\/p>\n Josh Reed is eligible, for now Penn State Nittany Lions basketball player dribbles the ball against Drexel in a preseason game in Philadelphia. | Will Horstman | Penn State on SI<\/p>\n Almost eight months ago, forward Josh Reed was honored during Penn State\u2019s Senior Night. He had an internship with the Philadelphia 76ers over the summer as he began to move on from playing college basketball.<\/p>\n But Reed is now back with the team, part of the ongoing 5-in-5 eligibility lawsuit in Ohio<\/a>, where the Ohio Supreme Court recently reversed a decision by the Ohio Court of Appeals that made him ineligible. While litigation is ongoing, Reed said he\u2019s trying to focus on himself and the team.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m just focusing on basketball, keeping that the main thing and controlling what I can control,\u201d Reed said. \u201cThere’s a lot of things right now that are out of my hands.\u201d<\/p>\n Reed is one of the most important players on Penn State\u2019s roster. He averaged 16.5 points per game between the two exhibitions, so Reed must remain eligible for the Nittany Lions.<\/p>\n With that recent court ruling, Rhoades said Reed is \u201ca go\u201d for the season opener Monday. As the lawsuit continues, Reed\u2019s status could change, but for now, he\u2019s eligible to play for Penn State.<\/p>\n \u201cIt’s a little weird, honestly,\u201d Reed said. \u201cI thought I finished playing college basketball, but now I’m back, and it’s been great, though. I’m glad I’m back. I’m glad I’m with these guys, working every single day to get better and just focusing on Monday.\u201d<\/p>\n Sign up to our free Penn State Nittany Lions newsletter<\/a>, follow us on social media<\/a> and add Penn State on SI as a Preferred Source on Google<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Penn](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/01m5yvr9nvf8cjbgvg4h.jpg\" "\\"Penn")
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