The NCAA’s recent rule changes regarding eligibility and financial aspects are significantly impacting international basketball recruitment. Following the retention of Croatian center Ivan Juric, Penn State has successfully added two European wing players, Roko Prkačin and François Wibaut, to its roster for the 2026-2027 season.
Roko Prkačin, a 2.06m (6’9″) forward, was once considered a potential first-round NBA draft pick and was named MVP of the Euro U16 tournament. Prkačin has represented his Croatian national team, spent two years playing in Spain, and is currently in his second season with Nanterre, averaging 6.2 points and 4.7 rebounds in 17.3 minutes across 23 games. A notable aspect of his recruitment is his age, 23, especially given his several years of professional experience.
François Wibaut, a 1.98m (6’6″) player, is currently with Pau-Orthez in Elite 2, where he averages 8.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Wibaut has previously played for the French U16 and U20 national teams.
Penn State concluded its 2025-26 season with an overall record of 12 wins and 20 losses, including a 3-17 record within the Big Ten conference.
