Penn State basketball media day: Mike Rhoades press conference
The Penn State basketball held media day on Monday afternoon inside the confines of the Bryce Jordan Center. Head coach Mike Rhoades held his introductory press conference in front of the assembled media. Hear the new Nittany Lion’s leader in the embedded video or on the Blue White Illustrated YouTube Channel.
Penn State hired Rhoades weeks after the team made the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2011 (aside from 2020, which was canceled) and former head coach Micah Shrewsberry left for Notre Dame. His team tips off the 2023 season with an exhibition game on Oct. 27 against Robert Morris.
Penn State basketball sets a familiar tone under Rhoades
Rhoades is known for his athletic, up-tempo teams that put pressure on the opponent and run. But to achieve that, the new Penn State head coach wants to establish a tough-minded culture.
“Number one is win the day. Doesn’t matter who we play next or what our schedule is coming up if you don’t take care of today. That’s coach cliche as well, but it’s the fact when you’re a new coach, and you’re trying to build an identity and a culture, as people use that term. We have to be the hardest playing, the hardest rocking team there is,” Rhoades said.
Divergent pieces coming together
The Penn State basketball roster was gutted this winter after a wave of graduations and transfers. Rhoades had to quickly build his team through the portal, bringing in players from multiple programs, including his former one at VCU. Ace Baldwin and others needed to become a team quickly. Rhoades said they’ve done that.
“I think number one is they really share the ball so that to me is… when you get a new team and different pieces and guys showing up, you really hope they share the ball. Not everyone does that. What I do like about this group, from day one, they’ve done a very good job of trying to make the right play with sharing the basketball. A hot basketball, as I call it, is a harder one to guard.”
The work to establish a brand new team identity is an ongoing process.
“Every day is a different day. We’re building this and we’re trying to really set our foundation of what we’re trying to do and our style of play. But I’ve been really, really appreciative and excited about the steps our team has taken here this preseason. Guys getting more familiar with each other, the way they’re playing together, and how hard they’re working.”
