The Bryce Jordan Center was filled with energy and emotion today as Penn State University proudly welcomed back one of its most beloved basketball legends. Lamar Stevens, the former Nittany Lion standout and a cornerstone of the team’s most successful era in recent memory, has returned to his alma mater to serve as a senior coaching advisor. The announcement marks a monumental step for Penn State men’s basketball and signals a renewed commitment to building a winning culture rooted in legacy, pride, and excellence.A HOMECOMING YEARS IN THE MAKING
Stevens, who starred for the Nittany Lions from 2016 to 2020, is widely regarded as one of the most iconic figures in Penn State basketball history. Known for his physical play, relentless work ethic, and unshakeable leadership, he finished his collegiate career as the program’s third all-time leading scorer with 2,207 points.
The 6-foot-6 forward led the Lions through some of their most successful seasons in recent memory, including the 2019–2020 campaign when Penn State reached as high as No. 9 in the AP Poll before the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His departure left a lasting legacy, but also a void in leadership that many hoped would one day be filled by his return in a new capacity.
Today, that dream became a reality.
A SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT WITH MAJOR IMPLICATIONS
Penn State Athletic Director Pat Kraft and Head Coach Mike Rhoades made the stunning announcement at a packed press conference this morning, flanked by university officials, alumni, and fans. The moment Stevens stepped onto the podium in Nittany blue once again, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause and standing ovations.
“This is more than just a coaching move. It’s a cultural shift,” Kraft said. “Lamar Stevens embodies everything that Penn State basketball stands for — hard work, resilience, and excellence. Bringing him back home is not only a win for our program, but for our entire community.”
Stevens, visibly emotional, expressed deep gratitude and enthusiasm about his new role.
“I owe so much of who I am to this university,” he said. “To come back here, not as a player but as someone who can help build the next generation of great Nittany Lions, is a full-circle moment for me. I’m here to give everything I have to help this program rise to where it belongs — among the elite.”
A COACHING ROLE WITH PURPOSE
In his new position as Senior Coaching Advisor, Stevens will work closely with Head Coach Mike Rhoades and his staff, focusing on player development, mentoring, and recruiting. Rhoades, entering his second year at Penn State, emphasized that Stevens’ arrival is about more than basketball knowledge — it’s about cultural reinforcement.
“Lamar knows what it takes to win here,” Rhoades said. “He lived it. His voice carries weight in the locker room and on the court. The players look up to him not just because of what he did in the pros, but because of how he carried himself in college. He’s going to be a huge asset for us in every area.”
NFL STADIUM-LIKE ENERGY FOR A HOOPS HOMECOMING
The announcement event itself felt more like a bowl game pep rally than a typical press conference. Fans packed the Bryce Jordan Center in a show of support not usually seen for coaching news. Many donned Stevens’ old No. 11 jersey, while students held signs that read “Welcome Home, Legend!” and “Once a Lion, Always a Lion.”
Penn State sophomore guard Kanye Clary summed up the mood best: “It’s like a dream come true to have Lamar around. He’s a living legend. Every guy in this locker room grew up watching him put in work on this court. To learn from him directly — that’s next-level.”
FROM COLLEGE STAR TO NBA VETERAN
After going undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft, Stevens signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he quickly made a name for himself as a gritty defender and reliable bench presence. He spent three seasons in Cleveland before brief stints with the Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies.
Though his professional career has been admirable, Stevens admitted that the call back to college basketball — particularly to his alma mater — was something he couldn’t pass up.
“I’ve always believed in the power of giving back,” he said. “This is the place that gave me a platform. Now I get to return the favor.”
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Coach Rhoades and Stevens share a unified vision for the future: build a competitive program that regularly contends in the Big Ten and reaches the NCAA Tournament — and do it with pride, integrity, and grit.
“Our goal is to make Penn State basketball a destination for top-tier talent,” said Rhoades. “With Lamar on our staff, we’re one step closer to that vision.”
The move also comes as Penn State continues investing heavily in its basketball facilities, fan engagement, and recruiting pipelines. With Stevens on board, the program hopes to attract top recruits who want to follow in the footsteps of one of the university’s all-time greats.
REACTIONS POUR IN ACROSS SOCIAL MEDIA
Almost immediately after the news broke, social media exploded with tributes, reactions, and messages of congratulations. Former teammates, NBA players, and Penn State alumni posted heartfelt messages praising Stevens for coming home.
“Man, this is what legacy looks like,” tweeted Myreon Jones, Stevens’ former teammate. “Penn State just got better in every way.”
The official Penn State Basketball account posted a tribute video showcasing Stevens’ career highlights, interspersed with shots of him mentoring current players at practice. The caption: “Welcome home, Lamar. Let’s make history — again.”
THE FINAL WORD: A LEGEND RETURNS TO BUILD A LEGACY
As the applause died down and the crowd began to exit the Bryce Jordan Center, one thing became crystal clear: Lamar Stevens’ return to Penn State is about more than nostalgia — it’s about vision, purpose, and unfinished business.
For the Nittany Lions, the future is brighter than ever. With a legendary player now turning mentor, the foundations are set for a new golden era of Penn State basketball.
As Stevens himself said in closing, “We’re not just trying to win games. We’re trying to build something that lasts — something that people can believe in. And it starts today.”
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