NCAA Basketball: Top 25 early winners from 2023 offseason moves
By Joey Loose
17. Michigan State
Michigan State has been an incredibly consistent program under Tom Izzo, having been present in the last 25 NCAA Tournaments under their legendary coach. He’s led the Spartans to a slew of Final Fours and plenty of success in the Big Ten. Last year’s team made their way to the Sweet Sixteen after finishing in 4th place in that tough conference, but could next year be even better?
Joey Hauser’s eligibility ran out and Pierre Brooks transferred to Butler, but the other major pieces will all be back in East Lansing. Starters Tyson Walker, A. J. Hoggard, Jaden Akins, and Mady Sissoko all return as will Malik Hall, which in itself makes the Spartans a major threat for next season. However, Michigan State also boasts one of the nation’s top recruiting classes, led by 5-star center Xavier Booker, who should be a major factor from day one.
What’s important here is how much of the talent from last season is returning, which is ever important in the era of the Transfer Portal. Izzo isn’t depending on a flurry of transfers from other programs. This lineup has played with each other and are supplemented by some top-level talent from that recruiting class. The Spartans were playing their best ball near the end of the season to make the Sweet Sixteen and might have their eyes on a bigger prize again in 2024.