Rhoades said that, in his first meeting with athletic director Pat Kraft in 2023, he made clear how committed he is to changing the narrative around Penn State basketball. He wants to take the program from having “pockets of success” to a program whose success can outlast his own coaching career.

I’m gonna be unapologetic for trying to build a winning program that is gonna be like Michigan State someday or Purdue someday,” Rhoades said. “Why not?”

Penn State boasts a revamped roster — and maybe a more talented one — to help reach those lofty goals. Notes from this week's local media day.