Penn State basketball head coach Mike Rhoades ended the regular season still committed to the program. Despite a 12-18 overall and 3-16 Big Ten record, he is confident his time with the Nittany Lions isn't over yet. The most recent addition to his staff is huge in helping Rhoades make that possible.
Jon Sauber of Centre Daily Times first reported the news that the men's basketball team hired former Denver Nuggets general manager and Nittany Lion Calvin Booth to assist with roster management. It was announced on Saturday, March 7, per sources.
Penn State men's basketball hires former Denver Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth in consulting position
The Nuggets parted ways with Booth in 2025 after they decided not to extend his contract. He was promoted to general manager in 2020 and was a part of the 2023 run that led Denver to an NBA championship title.
Booth started his stint in the Nuggets' front office as an assistant general manager in 2017. He also worked for the New Orleans Pelicans as a scout and the Minnesota Timberwolves as a scout and director of player personnel.
Booth now joins the Nittany Lions following their dreadful 2025-26 campaign. Rhoades brought in a slew of young talent, but that's not enough to elevate the program where he and athletic director Pat Kraft want it.
NBA front office experience can serve Rhoades well when it comes to roster building, management, and even recruitment. Booth is also familiar with the program. That unwavering commitment from the head coach and throughout his staff instills an important piece of program culture as well that can help retain players over the years.
The former Penn State center played in 114 games over his four-year collegiate career (1995-99) and made 83 starts. He averaged 11.3 points, 6.4 total rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 0.6 steals per game. Booth also led the conference in blocks per game all four seasons, averaging 3.8 per contest all-time. He is the Nittany Lions' all-time career leader in blocks as well with 428.
Booth had a 10-year stint in the NBA. He was drafted by the Washington Wizards 35th overall in the second round of the 1999 NBA Draft. The former center also spent time in Dallas, Seattle, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Minnesota, and Sacramento before he retired from playing in 2009.