Penn State men’s basketball will tip off another season in Happy Valley on Monday, November 2, against Canisius.

The Nittany Lions underwent massive roster upheaval for the 2026-27 season, returning only a few players while bringing in a plethora of transfer portal acquisitions and international-experience players.

Some of our staffers compiled picks for who they believe will be a player to watch on the new-look Nittany Lions.

Michael Zeno: Brant Byers

Brant Byers was by far the most exciting portal get for the men’s basketball team, and I was shocked the Nittany Lions landed him after Miami (Ohio)’s unbelievable season.

This team has sorely lacked reliable three-point shooting lately, so having a guy who can pop off and make six on any given night will be a big boost and raise the ceiling.

You want a signature win? You gotta hit threes.

Collin Ward: Andy Gemao

Look, Andy Gemao might not be the most influential player on the Nittany Lions’ roster — I’m not even really sure how much he will play — but he just gives off the vibes of a potential difference-maker.

On a team that will lean on its size all season, Gemao stands out with his 6-foot-1 frame. The Philippines native was the No. 108 player in his class and brings a wealth of international experience to Happy Valley.

If he doesn’t perform on the court, at the very least, he seems like someone who can help mesh a super diverse team.

Zacharie Paulhamus: Brant Byers & Jay Rodgers

I really like Byers; he averaged 14.2 points and shot 39.2% from behind the arc at Miami (Ohio), and I can honestly see head coach Mike Rhodes leaning on that when Penn State needs a bucket.

Rodgers catches my attention because of his playmaking; he averaged 6.9 assists last season at Central Connecticut State, and having someone who can get teammates involved could go a long way for this offense.

Both will have to adjust to Big Ten competition, but I’m interested to see how they play.

Jake Speicher: Francois Wibaut

In a recruiting class that prioritized size and experience, Francois Wibaut might be the most interesting.

At 21, Wibaut comes to Penn State after three years of high-level pro ball in his home country of France. He’s also on the French youth national team, averaging 9.1 points per game at the 2025 FIBA U-20 EuroBasket.

Wibaut might just be what Penn State needs: a highly versatile wing who can seamlessly defend anywhere on the court, initiate offense when needed, and be a force on the low block at 6-foot-7 and 235 pounds.

Keep an eye on the Frenchman as the season progresses, as his pro experience makes Wibaut an extremely trustworthy depth option for Rhoades.

Karlee Feger: Josh Reed

I personally love the energy and enthusiasm Josh Reed brings to the court. Despite a 12-20 season, he returned to Happy Valley for his fifth year, which I think speaks volumes about his dedication to this squad.

Penn State has allowed him to put up his best numbers yet, and I think he will step into a leadership role in welcoming and developing the freshmen and transfer players.

Oscar Orellana: Andy Gemao

He isn’t the most physically imposing guy on the court, but Penn State fans should be excited to watch Gemao hit the floor this year. He looked leagues faster than the rest of the team at open practice a few weeks back, and if he can hit his shots consistently, I can see him earning a starting role sooner rather than later.

He’ll have to work his way up in a crowded guard rotation, assuming Byers, Roberts Blums, and Dasonte Bowen get a lot of run early on, but Gemao has the tools to firmly grasp a spot.

Trust me, Penn State fans. I saw this dude flying up and down the court, unlike anything I’ve seen over the last two seasons of Penn State hoops. Let’s hope it translates well into game action.

Cadyn Gill: Tim Oboh

I expect Tim Oboh to be a key contributor for Penn State this season.

The junior transferred from Buffalo during the offseason, bringing a lengthy defensive presence and offensive efficiency.

The 6-foot-11, 230-pound forward averaged 4.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game in 2025 with the Bulls. He averaged 8.5 points on 61% shooting.

Oboh might be deployed off the bench, but I think he’s worth watching because his size lets him control space around the rim, which is something Penn State struggled with last year.

Holden Mostofsky: Brant Byers

Byers is coming from a team with a winning culture. Byers averaged 14.2 points and 4.1 rebounds in Miami (Ohio)’s undefeated regular-season finish last year.

After playing in a March Madness game last season, I’m confident Byers could help build the new winning culture Rhoades is trying to create.