The big man stays
Anton Bonke, the 7‑foot‑2, 270‑pound center who averaged 10.6 points and 8.3 rebounds last season, has officially withdrawn from the NBA Draft and will be back with Michigan State for the 2026‑27 campaign. His presence adds a rare blend of size and interior production that Coach Tom Izzo has been eager to lock in.
Izzo has repeatedly hinted that the roster will retain the majority of its backcourt, a group that includes the emerging point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. The coach’s confidence suggests that the team will keep the playmakers who helped shape the recent run, even as the NBA deadline looms.
Guards at a crossroads
Fears showcased his abilities at the NBA Combine, posting 13 points, eight assists, three rebounds and two steals while shooting 50 percent from the field. Yet the guard also revealed areas that need work, notably his outside shot and defensive consistency, leaving his professional future still up in the air.
Meanwhile, combo guard Divine Ugochukwu has decided to transfer to LSU, a move that removes another experienced wing from the Michigan State lineup and adds a new piece to the Tigers’ roster.
International duty beckons
Freshmen Jasiah Jervis and Ethan Taylor earned spots on the USA Basketball U18 National Team, a selection that will keep them in Colorado Springs for an intensive training camp before they head to the FIBA U18 Men’s AmeriCup in Leon, Mexico, scheduled for June 1‑7.