If Roko Prkacin’s performance Monday night in the Penn State men’s basketball season opener is any indication as to how the Croatian will play this season, then PSU might have a star on its hands.
The 23 year-old power forward, who turns 24 later this month, put on quite a show in just 20:08 minutes played against Canisius.
Prkacin seemed to be playing backyard basketball against the Golden Griffins and looked to be able to do what he wanted when he wanted against average Division 1 talent. Everyone could see there was something different about this 6′-8″, 230 pounder from Zagreb.
Prkacin, being an international talent, was so widely heralded as a premier prospect that around 2020 and early 2021, he was consistently projected as a potential NBA lottery pick or a for-sure first-rounder.
Prkacin, who only has one year of NCAA eligibility, moves like a big guard, but also has quick, inside moves like a true power forward. He can also handle the rock, no pun intended, while in transition and is a crafty passer and solid rebounder as well.
Before heading to Penn State, Prkacin played the 2025-26 season with Nanterre 92 in France, a club in the top division of French professional basketball, Pro A. With Nanterre 92, Prkačin averaged 10 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. As a member of the Croatian senior national team since 2021, Prkačin put up 7.6 points and four rebounds a night across 26 appearances.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Monday night, the Croatian went 12-for-14 from the field and finished the game with 28 points, 6 rebounds, 1 blocked shot and was 4-for-5 from the free throw line…all in just 20 minutes of action.
The real test and measuring stick for Prkacin and the new-look Nittany Lions will begin when they travel to Philadelphia this weekend to take on Pitt inside the Cathedral of College Basketball, The Palestra, Sunday, Nov. 8 at 8.
Before they head to Philly, though, Penn State will host Chattanooga this Thursday at 6:00, who are led by former PSU standout Danny Earl.
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