Penn State's Kebba Njie Enters Transfer Portal

The 6-10 freshman started 27 games. He's the fifth Nittany Lion to enter the portal.

Penn State freshman Kebba Njie has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, becoming the fifth Nittany Lion basketball player to consider leaving the program.

Njie announced his decision Tuesday on social media.

pic.twitter.com/EUf3q7ffIV

— Kebba Njie (@_kebbanjie) April 4, 2023

Njie's name appeared in the portal Monday, according to Verbal Commits, which tracks transfers. He is the most experienced starter from the Lions' 2022-23 team to enter the portal. 

Njie, a 6-10 forward, started 27 games for the Lions, averaging 3.4 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. He provided Penn State's interior presence as the only starter taller than 6-6.

Of the five Lions in the transfer portal, three are from Penn State's 2022 recruiting class: Njie, Evan Mahaffey and Jameel Brown. Njie grew his presence over the season, grabbing 20 rebounds in a four-game stretch during the Big Ten and NCAA Tournament.

New Penn State coach Mike Rhoades will approach the portal from defensive and offensive perspectives. In addition to re-recruiting some or all of those five Lions, Rhoades will be aggressive in pursuing outside talent. His former team will be a target.

Seven VCU players are in the portal, including Atlantic 10 Player of the Year Ace Baldwin, Jr. Rhoades, who spent six seasons at VCU, has said he will be active in the portal.

"We've got to go build a roster," Rhoades said. "But I assure you this: We're going to do it right, and we're going to do it so we build this to last."

Rhoades also announced two more staff members will join him from VCU: Clay Conner as director of player development and video director Jake Szczecina.

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