Just hours after finally receiving his long-awaited breakthrough, Filipino standout Andy Gemao wasted no time making his decision.
Gemao officially committed to Penn State on Saturday morning (Manila time), hours after receiving his first NCAA Division I offer from the Nittany Lions.
The 6-foot-2 swingman, regarded as the top Filipino prospect in the Class of 2026, is set to join the program under head coach Mike Rhoades following a rapid recruitment process that included a Zoom meeting with Andy and his father, Mark Vincent Gemao, according to multiple sources closely monitoring the situation.
Penn State is coming off a difficult 2025-26 campaign, finishing last in the Big Ten Conference with a 3-17 record.
Gemao’s commitment adds to a busy offseason for the Nittany Lions, who have now added eight players through the transfer portal and high school recruiting combined.
He also becomes the third international player added to the roster, joining François Wibaut and Roko Prkačin. Meanwhile, Ivan Jurić has already announced his return to Penn State for next season.
Aside from Gemao and the international additions, Penn State also bolstered its roster with guards Jay Rodgers from Central Connecticut State and Roberts Blums from Davidson, along with forwards Brant Byers from Miami, Tim Oboh from Buffalo, and Thomas Allard from Alabama-Huntsville.
Gemao’s arrival also adds to the growing Filipino presence in Happy Valley, where Filipino standouts Miko Eala and Sam Catantan are currently part of Penn State’s athletic community.
The 19-year-old recently completed a strong Grade 12 campaign with Royal Crown School, leading the team to a 19-2 regular-season record while earning All-OSBA Second Team honors.
Following his participation in the adidas Nations Tokyo Under-19 Special Camp last April, Gemao returned to the Philippines to assess his future options. He also suited up for one game with University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons during the Asiabasket tournament.
Gemao is represented by Keith Kreiter of Edge Sports.
