Penn State's basketball roster is a mix of some experienced returners, but a lot of transfers and international risks. It is a huge gamble for a team not necessarily expected to contend in the Big Ten this season but also an experiment that could come together in a unique way. Today, we take a look at one of Penn State's more intriguing international recruits in Filipino/Canadian point guard Andy Gemao
.Preseason Player Profile
- Hometown: IIligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines
- Height: 6-1
- Weight: N/A
- Class in 2026-27: Freshman
Recruiting Rankings
Andy Gemao was largely evaluated as a 3-star prospect in the Class of 2026. However, because he did not necessarily go through the AAU circuit, he was not scouted as heavily as a result. It was only on the prep circuit in Canada that he caught coach Mike Rhoades' attention. On May 8, 2026, Gemao committed to the Nittany Lions as the only high
school recruit of their cycle.
Career Stats
Over his career, Gemao has really shown at the Canadian level that he can be a high-caliber scorer. In his final season in high school, he averaged around 19 points per game for the Royal Crown School of Ontario. However, he also impressed in the Philippines as well, averaging 18.7 points per game, 7 assists, and 2 rebounds with the Letran Squires in the NCAA Juniors Division for the country.
Projected role in 2026-27
Gemao is currently projected to be a backup point guard who provides a spark off the bench behind Central Connecticut transfer Jay Rodgers. One thing to take note of is that Penn State's depth in the backcourt is more so predicated on perimeter threats rather than downhill creativity. As a result, Gemao could provide an alternative option in terms of getting to the basket. His 40.5-inch vertical can offer some explosiveness around the rim and take the pressure off of Penn State's primary ball handlers.
Random fact
Gemao is obsessed with the colors blue, green, and red...the colors of his former Filipino basketball sqquads the Letran Squires and Gilas Pilipinas.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State men's basketball player profile: Andy Gemao, Guard
