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The offseason has gone a little too well for Penn State basketball, namely because nobody has transferred up to this point.
That changed today, when it was announced that Geno Thorpe is leaving the program. The news was announced in a press release.
Patrick Chambers, head coach of the Penn State men's basketball team, announced Thursday that Geno Thorpe, a sophomore guard from Pittsburgh, would not return to the Nittany Lions next season.
"We thank Geno for his two years at Penn State and wish him well," Chambers said.
Thorpe came to Penn State in 2013 by way of Shaler Area High School. He was a three-star recruit, according to 24/7 Sports, and was part of a recruiting class that brought Julian Moore, Payton Banks and Graham Woodward to the Nittany Lions.
He has carved out a role as an important member of Penn State's roster during his time on campus. During his two years as a Nittany Lion, Thorpe endeared himself to Nittany Lions fans with his hard play and penchant for locking down opposing players with his especially strong defense. He averaged 8.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.1 steals in 2014-15, and was expected to be a major contributor in 2015-16.
There is no word why Thorpe is leaving the program, but this should open up a huge spot at the two guard. Fortunately, the Nittany Lions were able to bring in one of the best wing players in the class of 2015 in four-star guard Josh Reaves. Penn State also has several other players on the roster who can possibly fill Thorpe's role, like Banks and Shep Garner. There's also no word if Chambers will look to bring in another player with the scholarship left vacant by Thorpe's departure.
We would like to wish Thorpe the best no matter where he goes. Thanks for the good memories, Geno.
Scholarship Matrix
| 2015-2016 | 2016-2017 | 2017-2018 | 2018-2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | F - Brandon Taylor | C - Julian Moore^ | C - Julian Moore^ | F - Michael Watkins |
| 2 | F - Donovon Jack | F - Payton Banks^ | F - Payton Banks^ | F - Deividas Zemgulis |
| 3 | C - Jordan Dickerson | G - Isaiah Washington | G - Isaiah Washington | G - Josh Reaves |
| 4 | G - Devin Foster | G - Shep Garner | G - Shep Garner | G - Nazeer Bostick |
| 5 | C - Julian Moore^ | F - Michael Watkins | F - Michael Watkins | F - Joe Hampton |
| 6 | F - Payton Banks^ | F - Deividas Zemgulis | F - Deividas Zemgulis | |
| 7 | G - Isaiah Washington | G - Josh Reaves | G - Josh Reaves | |
| 8 | G - Shep Garner | G - Nazeer Bostick | G - Nazeer Bostick | |
| 9 | F - Michael Watkins | F - Joe Hampton | F- Joe Hampton | |
| 10 | F - Deividas Zemgulis | |||
| 11 | G - Josh Reaves | |||
| 12 | ||||
| 13 | ||||
| Left | 2 | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| Senior | Junior | Sophomore | Freshman |
Redshirting
^Used a redshirt year