Penn State men's basketball projected starting 5: Ace Baldwin Jr. is back

The college basketball transfer portal officially closed on May 1st, therefore the Penn State men’s basketball roster is now set. With rising expectations regarding the program, there has been a bigger commitment to the NIL funding for Penn State basketball. Happy Valley United is the Penn State’s initiative to raise money and funds for their student athletes. Through this, Penn State was able to acquire valuable players through the college basketball transfer portal.

The storyline of the offseason for the program was about fifth-year guard Ace Baldwin Jr. On April 12th, Baldwin announced on his Instagram that he will continue to work with Happy Valley United. However, a few days later, Baldwin shut down the rumors of people speculating that this meant he was officially returning to Penn State for next season. With a lack of a transfer portal announcement and it now being closed, it is safe to say that he will be spearheading the Nittany Lions for a second consecutive season.

Penn State has their roster set for the 2024-25 season. There are still just under six months until the season begins, so there are still possibilities for changes and news regarding the roster until then. However, let’s have some fun and predict what five players head coach Mike Rhoades will pick to start on opening night at the Bryce Jordan Center for the high-hoped Nittany Lions.