The Penn State Nittany Lions basketball team is gearing up for the 2025-26 season with a bold strategy: embracing their newcomers and young talent. After a challenging year, finishing second-to-last in the Big Ten, the team is determined to prove the doubters wrong.
With an unprecedented number of new faces, ten in total, the Lions are taking a leap of faith. In a highly competitive conference like the Big Ten, this move is daring, but the team believes in their ability to make an impact.
"Our style of play is designed to let our players express themselves naturally," said Coach Mike Rhoades. "We want to create an environment where our young guys can thrive and showcase their skills."
The cornerstone of this new-look team is Kayden Mingo, the top-ranked recruit in program history. Hailing from New York, Mingo brings a unique blend of talent and leadership as the freshman captain.
"It's an honor to be trusted with such a crucial role," Mingo shared. "I'm determined to lead by example and earn the respect of my teammates and coaches."
Mingo is joined by fellow highly-touted recruits Mason Blackwood and Justin Houser, who are expected to make an immediate impact.
"We're here to win, plain and simple," Blackwood stated. "We'll leave it all on the court and let our play do the talking."
But here's where it gets interesting: Rhoades also recruited internationally, bringing in four players from overseas to round out the roster. Melih Tunca, a 6'5" guard from Turkey, is one such player, and he's eager to make his mark.
"I've learned so much from my experiences playing internationally and from the veterans I've played with. I'm excited to showcase those skills here at Penn State," Tunca explained.
And this is the part most people miss: the Nittany Lions are not just relying on their newcomers. They're also developing their younger players, especially with the departure of key seniors like Ace Baldwin Jr. and Nick Kern Jr.
Saša Ciani, a 6'10" forward from Slovenia, is one such player. Transferred from Xavier, Ciani was voted a captain by his peers, showcasing his leadership skills.
"It's a great honor to be chosen as a leader by my teammates. I aim to guide and mentor the younger guys, drawing on my own experiences in college basketball," Ciani said.
As the team heads into the season opener, there are certainly question marks. But with low expectations come high rewards, and the Nittany Lions are poised to surprise.
"We're excited about the opportunities this season presents," Rhoades concluded. "Our newcomers are ready to make their mark, and we can't wait to see what they can achieve."
Will the Nittany Lions defy the odds and become a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: this team is ready to roar.
