Penn State Men’s Basketball Hires Dwayne Stephens as Assistant Coach

Penn State men’s basketball is bringing a veteran voice to its coaching staff.

The Nittany Lions on Tuesday announced the hiring of Dwayne “DJ” Stephens as an assistant coach, who brings nearly three decades of coaching experience to the team. The move comes after Penn State lost assistants Joe Crispin and Jamal Brunt earlier this offseason.

“I can’t wait to get to State college and help coach Rhoades continue to build Penn State basketball,” Stephens said in a university press release. “I love what he and his staff are doing. It’s a unique time in college athletics and to have the opportunity to join a group that’s doing it the right way is such a privilege. The only person more excited about this opportunity than I am is my brother Jarrett, a PSU basketball alum.”

Jarrett suited up in the blue and white from 1996-2000 and was the first-ever consensus first-team All-Big Ten honoree in program history. He totaled 657 points as a senior, which ranks as the fifth-best single season in Nittany Lion history.

Dwayne Stephens has ample experience coaching in the Big Ten and midwest region, most recently serving as the head coach at Western Michigan for four seasons. He mounted a 42-84 record, including a 26-46 record in MAC play. Despite posting losing records each year, his Bronco squads led the league in rebounding for three straight seasons.

Prior to that, Stephens spent 19 years as an assistant for Michigan State, his alma mater, serving under Tom Izzo. He earned the associate head coach title from 2012-2022. During his tenure, the Spartans reached the NCAA tournament every year, reached six Final Fours and won six conference championships.

Before earning a role at Michigan State, he coached at Marquette for four seasons and Oakland for two, including a Final Four appearance with the Golden Eagles in 2002-03. The 54-year old is heralded as a strong recruiter and developer of talent, having worked with Draymond Green, Jaren Jackson Jr., Miles Bridges and Dwyane Wade.

“Coach Stephens is one of the most well-respected and accomplished coaches in college basketball,” Rhoades said in the release. “He brings elite experience from every level of the game — from Final Fours and Big Ten championships, to leading his own program as a head coach. He has recruited and developed some of the best players in the country, and his ability to build genuine relationships and impact winning will elevate every part of our program. We’re excited for our players and staff to get to work with him every day and are thrilled to welcome Coach Stephens and his family to Happy Valley!”