STATE COLLEGE | Penn State men's basketball coach Mike Rhoades is implementing significant changes as the team prepares for its season-opener against Canisius on November 2. Following a disappointing 12-20 season, Rhoades emphasized the need to improve physicality and toughness among players, stating, "I thought in my 30 years, [last season’s team] was the weakest, softest team we've coached. That ain't happening anymore."

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During a recent practice, Rhoades reinforced this message through intense drills. Players who did not execute satisfactorily were tasked with pushing a tire halfway down the court and back. Rhoades also emphasized quick recovery after falls, telling the team they have "one second to get up at Penn State." He actively engaged players during drills, noting, "You know what’s really cool? F—cking winning," when they made errors.

Rhoades described his players as "very coachable" and expressed enthusiasm about their potential. He stated, "The best part of my job is being in the gym and having fun. There’s a lot of teaching with all these new guys, and that’s why you get into it."

Regarding Josh Reed, who is currently ineligible to play due to ongoing legal matters regarding an NCAA appeal, Rhoades commented on the situation, mentioning Reed’s strong presence during practice even as he awaits resolution. The Ohio Supreme Court has denied a motion to vacate the stay on his NCAA eligibility, and a decision from the Ohio Court of Appeals is pending. "You probably know more than me about it... there’s a process to this," Rhoades said.

On the court, Reed impressed during practice, showcasing his ability to consistently hit 3-pointers, which is crucial for the team's performance this season.

Penn State's shooting performance began inconsistently, but Rhoades attributed this to nerves from the media presence. He remarked, "It’s probably the best shooting team I've had since I was at Rice. These guys can really shoot. They really share the ball."

Roberts Blums, a transfer from Davidson, particularly stood out, earning praise from Rhoades for his competitive spirit. Rhoades noted, "The dude wants to win everything, and I love guys like that."

Four international players have also joined the team this season: Croatian forward Roko Prkačin, French wing François Wibaut, Filipino guard Andy Gemao, and Serbian forward Aleksandar Zečević. Prkačin, at 6-8, demonstrated versatility during practice, while Wibaut struggled at times but was acknowledged for his defensive capabilities. Gemao showed promise on defense, particularly during one standout play.

Zečević did not participate in practice due to a sprained ankle, but Rhoades expects him to return early next week. Aside from Zečević, all other players were available during Friday’s practice.