With the 2024-25 season in the rearview mirror, Penn State men’s basketball is starting to make offseason moves as head coach Mike Rhoades looks to retool the roster.

With Josh Reed pulled in from Cincinnati, Rhoades and Co. still have a lot of holes to fill on the roster. If Yanic Konan Neiderhauser remains in the NBA Draft, the Nittany Lions will have five roster spots to fill. We took the time to try and find some potential substitutes for Penn State.

Izaiah Pasha, Delaware

Pasha, a Harrisburg native, is one of the most intriguing names in the portal. The 6’5” guard was named CAA Rookie of the Year after averaging 11.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game as a freshman at Delaware.

He’s a smooth scorer with decent size for a guard and the ability to run the offense when needed. Pasha’s ties to Pennsylvania and freshman year success make him one of the top targets for Rhoades as the program looks to bring local talent back home.

Amarri Monroe, Quinnipiac

Monroe emerged as one of the most dominant frontcourt players in the MAAC this season. The 6’8” forward averaged 18.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game while showing physicality and energy on both ends of the floor.

He strives in transition, defends at a high level, and crashes the glass with purpose. With multiple big men exiting the program, Monroe would bring immediate toughness and production to Penn State’s paint.

Ladji Dembele, Iowa

Already coming from the Big Ten, Dembele brings experience to the table, something that holds major value for a team looking to stay competitive in the conference. At 6’8”, the power forward averaged 4.5 points and 3.5 rebounds for Iowa while shooting an impressive 38.2% from three.

If Penn State lands Dembele, it would be adding a reliable role player who understands the grind of Big Ten play and adds spacing to the frontcourt.

Javon Jackson, UIC

Jackson is a 6’3” point guard from UIC who fits the mold of a Mike Rhoades-type player. He is scrappy, quick, and tough on defense. Jackson averaged 6.8 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while playing 28 minutes a night.

Known for his on-ball defense and playmaking, Jackson would help fill the backcourt hole left by Jahvin Carter’s departure. He’s not a flashy player, but he brings energy and smart decision-making, all traits that could make him a perfect fit for Penn State’s second unit or even a starting option.