Michigan State is going to lose a ton from the team’s frontcourt for next season. But can a grad transfer from the Ivy League give them the help they need?
It was a disappointing end for Michigan State, who failed to make the Sweet Sixteen once again despite being a favorite to win it all. Now the attention turns to next season, with a roster overhaul.
An area of focus will be on the frontcourt, which was considered one of, if not the deepest in all of college basketball. In a single game, as many as six Spartans would play either the four or five spots on the court.
But some will be leaving. Ben Carter and Gavin Schilling are graduating, while Jaren Jackson Jr. is a likely lottery pick if he declares. Star sophomore and leading scorer Miles Bridges could also be on his way out. That leaves Nick Ward as the only starter coming back in the post, but the sophomore has yet to exceed 20 mpg, Another big man will be needed.
And what would you know, there might be one for Michigan State!
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Before the 2017-18 season started, junior forward Evan Boudreaux of Dartmouth made the decision to sit out the year and become a grad transfer, with two years of eligibility left. After choosing between several power conference teams, he decided to go with Xavier.
But things have changed, with Chris Mack leaving the Musketeers to go to the University of Louisville. That departure expectedly led to the former Big Green forward to now start the process all over again.
The list of teams will be coming soon, but Michigan State should be on it. Tom Izzo has shown that he can develop big men well, and Boudreaux and his versatile game will be a mutually beneficial relationship.
Next: How Michigan reached the Final Four
The upcoming junior has averaged 17,6 ppg and 9.5 rpg in his first two seasons with Dartmouth, and I believe that he can transition to Big Ten basketball without too many issues. Getting a player of his talent and the ability to play right away is a no-brainer move, and the Spartans should get right on it.