Penn State Men’s Basketball Bolsters Roster with New Transfer
Penn State men’s basketball has made a significant addition to its 2026-27 roster by securing the commitment of a shooting guard from the Transfer Portal. The player, Roberts Blums, comes from the Atlantic 10 conference and brings valuable experience and talent to the team.
Blums officially announced his decision on social media, highlighting his excitement about joining the Nittany Lions. He has two years of NCAA eligibility remaining, which aligns well with the team’s current needs. His arrival adds depth to a squad that already features several international players.
According to 247Sports Transfer Rankings, Blums is a three-star transfer. Griffin McVeigh of On3 reported that he is ranked No. 66 overall among transfers. There are even hints that Blums could be upgraded to a four-star rating due to his performance and potential.
During his time at Davidson, Blums played in 31 games during his first season and 32 games in his second. He has shown consistent performance on the court, contributing significantly to his team’s success.
In the 2025-26 season, Blums averaged 12.4 points per game, totaling 398 points. His shooting percentages were impressive: 45.6% from the field, 40.7% from beyond the arc, and 63.6% from the free-throw line. In addition to his scoring, he recorded 89 rebounds, 36 assists, 19 offensive rebounds, and 19 steals, showcasing his all-around skills.
Head coach Mike Rhoades has been focused on improving the team’s shooting ability, and Blums fits perfectly into this strategy. His addition comes as part of a broader effort to strengthen the roster through transfers.
Blums joins a group of other incoming transfers, including Brant Byers from Miami (Ohio) and Jay Rodgers from Central Connecticut State University. Additionally, the team recently added center Tim Oboh from Buffalo, further enhancing their defensive capabilities.
The new recruits will need to adapt to the higher level of competition in the Power Four conferences. However, their prior NCAA experience is crucial for Rhoades, who aims to rebuild and solidify the foundation of the program.
Both Blums and Oboh have two years of eligibility remaining, which gives the coaching staff flexibility in planning for future seasons. This move also brings veteran leadership to a roster that was predominantly composed of freshmen in the 2025-26 season.
Before entering the NCAA, Blums played for VEF Riga in the Latvian-Estonian Basketball League. He initially declared for the 2024 NBA Draft but decided to pursue his college career in the A-10 conference instead.
