Big Ten Basketball: 2024 offseason grades for each team

Michigan State Spartans - Grade: C-

The Spartans lost two players to eligibility this offseason in star Tyson Walker and key forward Malik Hall. Two others entered the transfer portal in point guard AJ Hoggard and center Mady Sissoko, off to other power conference teams. That leaves Jaden Akins, who averaged 10.4 ppg last season, as the only starter back.

That asks the question… did Coach Tom Izzo do enough to replace the lost production? Replacing Hall in the frontcourt is Frankie Filder, who averaged 20.1 ppg and 6.3 rpg at Omaha. There might not be a transfer with more pressure to succeed than him in order for the team to be good enough.

The other transfer for Michigan State is Szymon Zapala, who averaged 9.8 ppg and 5.6 rpg in 17 mpg at Longwood. He’ll serve as depth at center for them and could be as effective as Sissoko but considering that center was the “weak spot” for Michigan State last season, it’s disappointing that they couldn’t get someone better in the portal.

Ultimately, the Spartans are going to put a lot of trust in the returning underclassmen. Jeremy Fears, Coen Carr, and former 5-star prospect Xavier Booker will all have larger roles next season. If they all take large leaps, Michigan State’s underwhelming offseason won’t matter.