Penn State adds former VCU player as Mike Rhoades rebuilds Nittany Lions roster

Penn State has added a transfer portal target and it’s a familiar face for new head coach Mike Rhoades.

Nick Kern Jr. committed to the Nittany Lions Wednesday night. Kern played his first two seasons in college basketball under Rhoades at VCU.

He comes to Penn State after starting 19 of the 35 games he played in last season, making an impact as a defender in the Rams’ high-pressure defense. He has good height at 6-foot-6 and weighs in at 190 pounds. His addition will help establish the culture Rhoades is looking to implement with the Nittany Lions.

There will likely be a drastic shift in style, with an increased focus on defense and pressuring the opposing team. Kern should be able to play a major role in the team’s rotation next season, whether that’s off the bench or as a starter.

He’s the second commitment for the staff from VCU after Ace Baldwin Jr., the reigning Atlantic-10 player of the year and defensive player of the year, committed to the Nittany Lions Sunday evening.

The addition of Kern brings Penn State to four scholarship players not in the portal, alongside Baldwin, guard Kanye Clary and center Demetrius Lilley.