Former Rice head coach Scott Pera has been named the first general manager in Penn State men’s basketball history, according to a new report Jeff Goodman of Field of 68 reported.
Pera served three seasons (2014-2017) with current men’s basketball head coach Mike Rhoades as an assistant in his first two seasons then ascending to associate head coach in the 2016-2017.
Following Rhoades departure to become VCU head coach in 2017, Pera succeeded him.
During Pera’s seven seasons at Rice, there were mixed results as he compiled a 96-127 overall record with two appearances in the College Basketball Invitational (CBI).
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Pera is a Pennsylvania native (Hershey) and is a 1989 graduate of Penn State-Harrisburg. Pera began his coaching career as an assistant at Elizabethtown College (PA), then as a head coach at Palmyra (PA) for two seasons (1993 to 1995) and Annville-Cleona HS for six seasons (1995 to 2000) leading them to the 1999 PIAA Championship.
Pera’s breakout came at Artesia High School where he coached future 11-time NBA All-Star and NBA 75th Anniversary Team member James Harden. Following Pera’s stint at Artesia he joined Arizona State beginning as a director of operations. Pera’s roles evolved as Arizona State elevating as an assistant coach and a recruiting coordinator.
It is not known at this time the responsibilities Pera has as a general manager.
