Former Penn State Freshman Joins St. Bonaventure

Mason Blackwood transfers to continue college basketball career after one season with the Nittany Lions.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:03pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic motion of a college basketball player, with sharp geometric shapes in navy blue, gold, and white conveying the energy and transition of the sport.Blackwood's transfer reflects the broader roster changes underway at Penn State as the team rebuilds through the transfer portal.Buffalo Today

Mason Blackwood, a 6-foot-7 forward who played his freshman season at Penn State, has announced he will continue his college basketball career at St. Bonaventure. Blackwood is one of seven Penn State players to enter the transfer portal this offseason as the Nittany Lions roster undergoes significant changes.

Why it matters

Blackwood's transfer is part of a broader roster overhaul at Penn State, with the team losing several key players. The Nittany Lions have been active in the transfer portal to rebuild their roster, adding several new players from other programs and the international ranks.

The details

As a true freshman last season, Blackwood appeared in 26 games for Penn State, averaging 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds in 12.2 minutes per game. He had some increased playing time late in the season due to injuries in the frontcourt. Blackwood will now look to carve out a larger role at St. Bonaventure as he continues his college basketball career.

  • Blackwood entered the transfer portal on Easter Sunday (April 20, 2026).
  • He announced his commitment to St. Bonaventure two weeks later (May 4, 2026).

The players

Mason Blackwood

A 6-foot-7 forward who played his freshman season at Penn State before entering the transfer portal and committing to St. Bonaventure.

Mike Rhoades

The head coach of the Penn State men's basketball team, who praised Blackwood's competitiveness and defensive play during the 2025-26 season.

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What they’re saying

“I thought the last three weeks he's been playing harder than others and his physicality and just the way he competes. He gave us 20 minutes today. He's going to get better and better. And he cares so much, he works very hard, he's very competitive, and he's got a big, strong body. I thought his defense was good today. We need a little more offense out of him, but I thought he did some good things.”

— Mike Rhoades, Penn State Head Coach

What’s next

Blackwood will look to earn a larger role and increased playing time at St. Bonaventure as he continues his college basketball career.

The takeaway

Blackwood's transfer is part of a broader roster overhaul at Penn State, with the team losing several key players. The Nittany Lions have been active in the transfer portal to rebuild their roster, adding new talent from other programs and the international ranks.