Big Ten Basketball: 10 key storylines to watch for 2023 offseason

Purdue Boilermakers center Zach Edey (15) celebrates as he is announced the player of the tournament after winning the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament Championship game against the Penn State Nittany Lions, Sunday, March 12, 2023, at United Center in Chicago. Purdue won 67-65.Pupsu031223 Am22423 /

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Big Ten Basketball Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

2. Michigan State has a decision to make with the transfer portal

The Spartans ended up being the best team in the Big Ten this season, which was a surprise heading into the year. It was a roster filled with “good” but not “great” players that could’ve gone against them but thanks to Hall of Fame head coach Tom Izzo, they ended up going the furthest of any team in March.

What’s interesting with Michigan State is that its fans had somewhat already been looking ahead to next season. The program has a top-5 overall recruiting class, led by five-star forward, Xavier Booker. Top-30 point guard Jeremy Fears is a potential star, while top-60 wings, Coen Carr and Gehrig Normand, figure to be long-term pieces for the program.

This brings to a main storyline for the Spartans. They only lose forward Joey Hauser when it comes to eligibility. There are two more seniors on the roster, as Tyson Walker and Malik Hall do have another year left. They could leave and it would hurt but the experience having those two would help.

And will the team go into the portal? Last year, they opted not to and fans viewed it as a mistake. They could use it to add a piece or two, including at center. But unless either Jaxson Kohler or Mady Sissoko enters the portal, it would be hard to see the Spartans add another big. They’re in good position for next season but may want to add to that. Let’s see if they do.

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