After some bad news about the NCAA’s pushback on the recruitment of international prospects, Mike Rhoades and Penn State basketball have finally caught a big break. After Tim Oboh, a British big man from the University of Buffalo, committed to the team on April 19, they officially announced his signing yesterday, May 26. This comes after much controversy over Penn State’s newfound recruiting strategy.
By securing Oboh, the Nittany Lions have ensured that at the very least one of their international transfers is on board. Still, with several of Rhoades’ incoming freshman having played overseas, it may be difficult to get them on board. Take Filipino point guard Andy Gemao. Because of the NCAA’s rigid guidelines, Gemao may not be able to play next season due to the fact he has already played in Canada. While the new guidelines will not end up impacting transfers such as Oboh, it’s important that the Nittany Lions secured his signature.
In Oboh’s case, it was more about ensuring he did not have the ability to re-enter the transfer portal. As a 6-11 big man, he will provide a much needed anchor down low for the Nittany Lions on both ends of the floor. Paired with another international big man in Ivan Juric, Penn State’s interior presence is expected to be much more felt next season.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State basketball announce signing of international transfer
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