Temple Forward Zach Hicks Chooses Penn State From the Portal

Hicks, a 6-8 shooter with a penchant for 3-pointers, joins the Lions' new roster under Mike Rhoades.

Penn State men's basketball continues its makeover, picking up a transfer commitment from former Temple forward Zach Hicks. The decision furthered Mike Rhoades' rebuild of the Lions' roster from both within and outside the program. Hicks announced his decision Thursday in a post on Instagram, and Penn State confirmed the signing Friday.

Hicks, a 6-8 forward who just completed his sophomore season, has two seasons of eligibility remaining. He started all 32 games for the Owls last season, averaging 32.3 minutes, 9.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. He also was solid from 3-point range, averaging 35.6 percent (80 for 225). Hicks was one of just two Owls to start every game last season.

Hicks scored in double figures 17 times, including seven times in Temple's final eight games. He scored a season-high 20 against Vanderbilt, making six 3-pointers.

“We are really excited to have Zach and his family join our program here at Penn State," Rhoades said in a statement. "He is an exact fit for our style of play and approach. I can’t wait to get Zach on campus and get in the gym with him. We are proud to have him in our family.”

As a freshman, Hicks led Temple in 3-pointers (61) and 3-point percentage (.374). He set a Temple record with 10 3-pointers in a victory over Delaware State, a game in which he scored a career-high 35 points.

Hicks is the third player to join Penn State's roster from the NCAA Transfer Portal, along with former VCU standouts Ace Baldwin, Jr. and Nick Kern, Jr. In addition, freshman Jameel Brown, among the top recruits of Penn State's 2022 class, announced he will return to the Lions after entering the portal.

From Camden (N.J.) Catholic High, Hicks earned second-team all-state honors as a senior.

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