Guard Roberts Blums Joins Penn State Basketball
The former Davidson standout joins the Nittany Lions to bolster the team's perimeter scoring threat.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Basketball
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Guard Roberts Blums has transferred to the Penn State men's basketball program. He cited his trust in coach Mike Rhoades and the program's vision as his primary reasons for joining the team.
Why it matters
Blums is expected to provide an immediate boost to the team's 3-point shooting performance during the 2026-27 season. His arrival brings a proven track record of international and collegiate success to the Nittany Lions' roster.
Blums averaged 12.4 points per game and recorded 77 total 3-point conversions during his 2025-26 season at Davidson. He also scored 17 points in an exhibition game for Penn State against St. Bonaventure on October 17, 2026.
The players
Roberts Blums
He is a collegiate basketball guard who previously played for Davidson and has extensive experience in international competitions.
Mike Rhoades
He serves as the head coach of the Penn State men's basketball team.
The details
Blums, a former standout at Davidson where he played 31 games during his freshman season, joins Penn State as a key addition to the rotation. He previously earned accolades including the 2024 Latvian League and Latvian Cup titles and the 2023 FIBA U18 European Championships MVP award.
Timeline
Blums won MVP at the FIBA U18 European Championships in 2023.
The athlete secured Latvian League and Cup titles in 2024.
Blums competed for Davidson throughout the 2025-26 season.
The exhibition game against St. Bonaventure occurred on October 17, 2026.
Blums competes for Penn State during the 2026-27 season.
Season Trajectory
Blums' addition significantly alters the competitive outlook for the Nittany Lions by adding a proven perimeter threat to the rotation. His integration into the lineup is designed to improve the team's standing within the conference throughout the 2026-27 season.
Fans should monitor how Blums' 40.7 percent 3-point shooting efficiency impacts the team's spacing and offensive sets. His ability to score 17 points in limited exhibition action suggests a significant role in the upcoming starting rotation.
The takeaway
The transfer marks a pivotal shift for the Penn State roster as they integrate a high-volume shooter into their backcourt. Observers should watch how Blums' perimeter accuracy influences the efficiency of the team's primary offensive schemes.
Further reading
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