May 3, 2017
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State men's basketball program added a pair of signees as part of the 2017-18 freshman class, head coach Patrick Chambers announced Wednesday. Jamari Wheeler and John Harrar have each signed their NCAA National Letters of Intent to become Nittany Lions, joining April signee Trent Buttrick.
Wheeler hails from Live Oak, Florida and The Rock School, while Harrar, a Wallingford, Pennsylvania native and Strath Haven product, becomes the seventh Philadelphia-area player on the current Penn State roster.
JAMARI WHEELER | 6-1 | 170 | G | Gainesville, Fla. | Rock School
- ESPN three-star prospect and No. 22 player out of Florida
- Helped lead The Rock School to a program-high 35-win season in 2016-17
- Gainesville Sun Small Schools Player of Year
- First Team Boys Independent All-State (Florida Association of Basketball Coaches)
- Averaged 16.0 points, 6.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 steals a game in senior season (according to Gainesville Sun)
- AAU Program: Team Breakdown
Chambers on Wheeler: "Jamari is coming off a remarkable season, leading his team to a school record in wins. He's a competitive player and proven winner, who brings elite speed to our program with his ability to break down defenses either to score or make plays for his teammates. He makes everyone around him better."
JOHN HARRAR | 6-9 | 240 | F | Wallingford, Pa. | Strath Haven
- Central League MVP
- Philly News Second Team All-Pennsylvania (5A)
- PA Prep Live First Team All-Delco
- Averaged 19.5 points and 10.4 rebounds per game in senior season
- AAU Program: Philly Pride
- A two-sport athlete, also excelled in football (defensive end and tight end)
Chambers on Harrar: "John possesses a level of physicality and strength that will impact our program. He rebounds extremely well, has a soft touch around the basket and has the ability to stretch the floor. His time on the football field, combined with his Philly toughness and winner's mentality make John an excellent addition to the Nittany Lions."