Penn State introduces basketball coach Mike Rhoades: Updates

Blue White Illustrated is on hand for the introduction of new Penn State basketball coach Mike Rhoades. Set to meet with donors and the media on Thursday afternoon, we’re covering Rhoades’ press conference in its entirety.

Follow along with us on the Lions Den, here.

Live Updates: Mike Rhoades introductory press conference

(Updates will appear in reverse chronological order.)

Press conference has ended at 3:05 p.m.

Questions from the media:

On recommendations for facilities:

Lot of cool stuff. He’s that guy at 6 in the morning and 11 at night to think of things. Told president the other day he’s a pitbull with manners. Has no problem saying that. Always gotta be pushing to get better. Everything. Will challenge things all the time. Challenge himself, staff, communicating with guys. Coaching and relationship is No. 1. But second is what to do to push program and student athletes forward. Is a guy not afraid to have a meeting or conversation of what if, or why not? There is a way to do it. As they move along here, will push forward. Want to give players the greatest experience they could have as a student-athlete playing basketball at Penn State. Will push that all the time.

On perception of Penn State from afar: 

Has always admired Penn State. Last year, watched Penn State/Iowa wrestling on his back porch. Has a Penn State wrestling t-shirt. Has Penn State basketball t-shirts now. 

The conversation with Pat was as real as you can get. “What do you need to make this place great?” Have a plan and will pursue it and do it the right way. President Bendapudi excitement and commitment to athletics and basketball, why not? Think about how awesome this can be. The excitement of the president for Penn State basketball, director of athletics, and for him growing up looking at Penn State, let’s do it.

On priority of recruiting Philadelphia:

Rhoades: Hire a Martelli. Understands the question. Certain areas you want to recruit. But recruiting is relationships. Staff has a lot of relationships because they’ve been doing this a long time at a high level. You build relationships over time that become friendships. They become connections and recommendations. How you do your job and how you take care of kids. Will live in Philadelphia. But there are a lot of other places they’ll look. This is Penn State. Everyone knows what this is. The relationships all over will have people excited about playing basketball here. 

Will recruit Philly, but also everywhere. Want to win big.

On the search process:

Kraft: It’s a diligent process. Have to be meticulous in the search. Need to work the phones. It takes a lot of time. But won’t get into specifics of how the search works.

On what they’re looking for from players:

Guys with character. That goes a long way. But being bold, different and aggressive with lots of skill, you can find that. Penn State has had a lot of great student athletes for a long time and those are the guys you’ll find.

On bringing Joe Crispin in on staff:

His pride in Penn State is something else. He loves this place. Wife was an athlete here too. Beyond that, Joe knows basketball. He was a pro. Successful college coach. They have talked basketball and see the game similarly. Him bleeding and sweating on this court adds to it. If he can impart that, it helps that. He has same mentality as the staff. Will outwork everyone and have an edge in recruiting. 

That’s just who they are. A guy who knows and loves this place, it’s a big deal to them.

On style of basketball: 

Better be in shape. Wants to put them on their toes and fight at a high level. Want to play fast and aggressive. Will share the ball as always. Great joy in how they play.

On what makes this a destination job/why contract details were public:

Putting it all on the table so everyone sees the commitment. This is Penn State. He’s known it since he was born. Saw games at Rec Hall. Family went here. It’s a cool place. Who wouldn’t want to be here. Then you get to coach basketball here. Will wake up tomorrow and be head coach at Penn State every day, why not? Why not now? That’s what he’s excited about.

Kraft:

In conversations with the board, will be as transparent as possible. Felt they would show what they’re doing. No more no less, just like football. Just an effort to be transparent.

Opening statement

Mike Rhoades statement:

Penn State will always be about the students. People look excited to be here. Looking forward to building relationships with so many people. This will become his family. Love and appreciation to former players and coaching staff that have been on this journey with him.

If you sweat for him and invest, you become part of his family. It’s going to be more than just a game. It’ll be about building relationships beyond the court and into peoples lives and future. Excited to build more relationships and bring more people into the family at Penn State. Attendance will come up a lot because Schuylkill County will be here. 

Staff is here. Rhoades used to be the best shooter on the staff, but with Joe Crispin here, definitely not anymore.

Building something bold, different and aggressive.

Going to go to work every day. Will have dirt on their hands and will be proud of it. That’s who they are here. Going to be fast and exciting. Will play with an edge and have joy and excitement. Have fun working hard. Have more fun being together. Have greatest fun succeeding together. As they try to become the program they want, will have student-athletes that represent this university with dignity, class, serving others, and going out to the world and making Penn State proud.

When going through some of this this week was the alignment of president, athletic director, and new basketball coach. Heard it, felt it, and couldn’t wait to get started. To see alignment from the top, to leader and coach, and coaches, that’s not everywhere. That’s special. With that leadership, commitment and love, everything is possible.

Honored to be the coach. Honored to lead young men into battle. Will be bold, different and aggressive and make no excuses about it. Came here to win and win big. 

Thank you for making him and family feel like a million bucks. When they get here after school, will see how important this community is to Penn State.

“Let’s get to work. Let’s go.”

Patrick Kraft opening statement:

Wanted to find a coach who wanted to be at Penn State. Wanted someone with the same confidence and chip on their shoulder as they have as an organization. Someone who knows how special Penn State is, but loves to compete. Will fight and grind for Penn State every day. Also wanted to bring in someone that everyone can be extremely proud of. Grateful to have found that in Mike.

Tracked his career for a while. His passion for the game, excitement for Penn State and Penn State basketball, and it blew them away. Loved him for that. He’s a winner. Hard stop. Understands what it takes to win. He’s going to recruit elite student-athletes that will fit campus and be great for the brand.

He’s widely respected in the profession for his acumen. He understands what Penn State and community means to Pennsylvania. He’s a committed family man. Family centric focus fits who they are. His values are Penn State’s values. Excited to welcome next head coach, Mike Rhoades.