Penn State’s “Twin Towers” Offer a Glimpse of the Future Amid Big Ten Growing Pains
This season has been a tough ride for Penn State men’s basketball - no sugarcoating that. A 1-12 start in Big Ten play is the kind of record that stings, especially when you’re battling through one of the deepest, most physical conferences in college basketball.
But for a roster stacked with youth - eight freshmen, two sophomores, two juniors, and just one senior - growing pains were always part of the deal. Head coach Mike Rhoades said as much at the start of the season, and now we’re seeing exactly what he meant.
While some losses have been flat-out brutal, others have shown signs of life. Penn State has kept things competitive against ranked opponents like Michigan State, Illinois, Michigan, and Purdue - all single-digit losses that suggest this team isn’t as far off as the record might indicate.
And if you’re looking for reasons to believe in what’s being built in Happy Valley, look no further than the two freshmen 7-footers anchoring the frontcourt: Ivan Juric and Justin Houser. These “Twin Towers” are still raw, still learning, but they’re flashing the kind of potential that could reshape the program’s future.
Ivan Juric: The Anchor in the Paint
Let’s start with Juric. The Zagreb, Croatia native came to Penn State by way of Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita, Kansas - a program that’s produced its fair share of high-level talent.
From the moment he stepped on the floor, Juric has looked like the Nittany Lions’ most reliable big man. He’s already established himself as the go-to option inside and draws the assignment of guarding the opposing team’s top frontcourt threat night in and night out.
What’s impressed coaches most isn’t just the production - it’s the poise. Coach Rhoades has called Juric the team’s highest basketball IQ player, which says a lot for a freshman.
Off the court, he’s quiet and reserved. On the court, he’s the team’s best communicator.
That’s a rare combination for a 7-footer in his first year of college ball.
Statistically, Juric is making his presence felt. He’s fourth on the team in scoring at 9.5 points per game, leads the squad in rebounding with 5.3 boards per game, and is shooting a team-best 54% from the field. He’s not just surviving in Big Ten play - he’s competing, and that bodes well for the long haul.
Justin Houser: Rising Fast
Then there’s Justin Houser, the in-state product from the Phelps School in Malvern, Pa. Originally, the plan was to redshirt him - give him a year to develop behind Yanic Konan Niederhauser, who was expected to anchor the frontcourt this season. But when Niederhauser heard his name called in the first round of the NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers, those plans went out the window.
Suddenly, Penn State needed more size, more interior presence, and Houser was thrust into the rotation sooner than expected. And to his credit, he’s answered the call.
His minutes have steadily increased, and with each game, we’re seeing more of what he can bring. When Juric missed two games with the flu, Houser stepped in and didn’t look out of place.
Against Minnesota - Penn State’s lone Big Ten win so far - he played just under nine minutes but made the most of it: 2 points, 3 rebounds, an assist, and a block. Solid, efficient, and impactful.
At Michigan, he logged over 21 minutes and chipped in 6 points, 2 boards, and 2 blocks. Then against USC, with Juric back in the lineup, Houser still found a way to contribute: 12 minutes, a made three-pointer, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 blocked shots. He’s showing flashes - moments where you can see the tools, the timing, and the upside all starting to come together.
Looking Ahead: The Twin Towers Era
So far, we haven’t seen Juric and Houser share the floor for extended stretches. Matchups and in-game situations have kept them rotating more than playing in tandem.
But it’s hard not to imagine what that frontcourt could look like when both are fully unleashed together. Two 7-footers with complementary skill sets - Juric with his polish and IQ, Houser with his athleticism and shot-blocking instincts - could be a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Yes, the record is rough. Yes, the Big Ten can be unforgiving for a young squad still trying to find its footing.
But amid the growing pains, Penn State fans have something real to get excited about. The foundation is being laid, and it’s coming in the form of two towering freshmen who are learning on the fly, battling every night, and giving this team a glimpse of what’s possible down the road.
The wins may not be coming yet, but the building blocks are in place. And if Juric and Houser continue on this trajectory, the future in Happy Valley could be a whole lot brighter - and a whole lot taller.