Penn State men’s basketball added its second new member to the roster for the 2023-24 season with the addition of sophomore guard Nick Kern. He played under new head coach Mike Rhoades for the last two seasons at VCU.

With Kern’s commitment, he now joins former VCU guard Ace Baldwin Jr. in Happy Valley.

Over the course of his collegiate career, Kern played in 66 games, averaging 3.7 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. The 6’6″ guard played in 35 games and started 19 last season, averaging 5.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game.

While his numbers aren’t splashy, he provides a lot of experience that this roster desperately needs. Currently, the only two scholarship players, besides Baldwin, on the roster are Kanye Clary and Demetrius Lilley, and only Clary got regular playing time last season. Kern provides the necessary experience, as well as someone who knows Rhoades’ system and can help other players adjust to it.

Expect the Nittany Lions to continue to be proactive in the transfer portal, with the possibility of bringing other VCU players to Happy Valley. The recruiting cycle has only just begun, folks.