What They're Saying About Penn State's Mike Rhoades

Shaka Smart, Jay Wright praise the Nittany Lions' new men's basketball coach.

Penn State signed Mike Rhoades to a seven-year deal worth $25.9 million, by far the university's largest contract ever given to a men's basketball coach.

So what is Penn State getting? Here's what some of the top names in basketball are saying about Rhoades, who has been a head coach for 19 seasons, the past six at VCU.

The statements were collected by Penn State.

Jay Wright, former Villanova head coach and current CBS analyst

I have known Mike Rhoades since he was a player at Lebanon Valley College. He’s a Pennsylvania guy and is one of the hardest-working, innovative coaches in our business. I have great respect for Mike and know he will be extremely successful at Penn State.

Shaka Smart, Marquette head coach and former VCU head coach

Mike Rhoades is one of the finest college basketball coaches in the country. His combination of character, relationship-building,  competitive drive and basketball IQ is second to none in our industry. His teams defend at a high level, play with great passion, and demonstrate genuine relationships. Most importantly, Mike thrives at helping young men become grown men. Penn State just hit an absolute home run!

Kevin Eastman, former NBA assistant with the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers

When I think of Mike Rhoades, I first think of character, class and caring. Couple that with his basketball knowledge and ability to build programs the right way. Penn State has made a great hire. They have gotten someone who is built for coaching and leading a program intoday’s very competitive environment.

Tommy Sheppard, Washington Wizards President of Basketball Operations and General Manager

Mike Rhoades is a tremendous hire for Penn State and will continue the amazing progress the program has established. He is an outstanding coach, excellent evaluator of talent and fantastic leader. His program will be outstanding on the court and in the community. His ties to the region are well-known and he and his staff will not be outworked!

Patrick Kraft, Penn State Athletic Director

We are excited to welcome Mike Rhoades as our head men’s basketball coach. He is a veteran head coach who is a proven winner at multiple levels. Mike has been a tremendous recruiter and talent developer throughout his career. As a Pennsylvania native with a strong family history with our University, Mike understands what it means to be a Penn Stater and how impactful it is to be part of Nittany Nation. Mike has a vision of how to build Penn State Basketball into a championship program.

For more on what Penn State is getting in Rhoades, and vice versa, check out our recap.

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AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.