This year, Penn State's basketball roster is a nice mix of incoming transfer talent, international flair, and key returners up front. However, with the offseason the squad underwent, it is clear that Mike Rhoades' formula to future success is clear: rely on a batch of newcomers to overturn what has been a rough ride for the coach in Happy Valley. Hopefully, these 5 newcomers can add to the team's needs right away.
Jay Rodgers, Guard
As the de facto starting point guard, Rodgers will carry a lot of the load in terms of driving downhill and creating around the rim. Transferring in from Central Connecticut, Rodgers also brings over a unique ability to facilitate the offense. He ranked eight nationally in assists per game and now with elite perimeter shooting around him and solid low post presence, Rodgers can easily adjust to Big Ten play. Nittany Lions fans will hope that he's ready for a challenge.
Brant Byers, Forward
Brant Byers is perhaps the most unique transfer in Penn State's class. While Byers has size and athleticism to work down low, his best work comes from beyond the arc. He is a high volume shooter who averaged right around 40 percent from deep in his final year with Miami(Ohio). Defensively as well, his length could be imposing if the Nittany Lions sometimes decide on a taller lineup. Most likely though, expect Byers to benefit from the spacing the Nittany Lions can provide and be that three point threat they've so sorely been missing.
Roko Prkačin, Forward
What Jay Rodgers can be at guard, Prkacin can be at the power forward spot. Most importantly, even though he is only 21 years of age, he already has experience playing in elite European leagues. He also has played several times for Croatian youth national teams. This is evidenced by his 56.9 percent field goal clip against that competition. His comfortability both as a passer and driving to the rim provides the Nittany Lions with a young, high IQ talent who won't be afraid of the competition.
Roberts Blūms, Guard
Blums and Rodgers provide the perfect yin and yang balance at the two guard spots for Penn State. While Rodgers can get to the basket early and often, Blums is another guy who can stretch the floor with his 3 point shot. Mike Rhoades can now feature lineups that either predicate themselves on driving to the rim or simply just letting it rip from deep. However, the biggest aspect of what Blums can do is vary the starting 5 offensively enough to let all different kinds of players shine.
Tim Oboh, Forward
Last but not least, when you get so much offensive talent together, you need a defensive anchor. That's what Tim Oboh provides coming over from Buffalo. Rhoades may prefer Juric as the starting center early, but expect Oboh to work his way into the starting 5 by season's end. After all, you simply can't keep a guy who led his team in blocks out of the lineup. He averaged 1.5 blocks per game with Buffalo and now in the Big Ten, he'll have a chance to produce even more straight away.
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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: 5 newcomers to watch for Penn State basketball