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Michigan State Basketball: Matt Costello has breakout D-League game

By Connor Muldowney

Mar 18, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Matt Costello (10) works around the defense of Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders forward Reggie Upshaw (30) and guard Giddy Potts (20) during the second half of the first round in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Matt Costello (10) works around the defense of Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders forward Reggie Upshaw (30) and guard Giddy Potts (20) during the second half of the first round in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former Michigan State basketball star Matt Costello is still looking for his NBA shot, but he had a breakout D-League performance Saturday.

Matt Costello didn’t get to play in a Final Four during his senior season like he would have hoped. Michigan State basketball was bounced from the NCAA Tournament in the first round by Middle Tennessee and his collegiate career was ended abruptly.

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Although his time as a Spartan ended on a sour note, fans didn’t forget the type of player Costello was. He was a hard-nosed post player who provided defense and wasn’t afraid of bigger players down low. He stood just 6-foot-9, but he played much bigger.

No, he wasn’t drafted, but Costello signed a contract with the Atlanta Hawks out of college and played NBA Summer League ball with the team. He didn’t make the roster, but he’s since been playing with the Iowa Energy in the NBA’s D-League.

On Saturday night, he had his best game of the year. In fact, he broke the Energy’s single-game rebounding record with 25 boards.

On top of that, he added 17 points and took control of the post. However, the Energy lost by three points.

Costello’s big game was recognized by the organization, though, which is a D-League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies. He’s been on the same team as Deyonta Davis and he also plays with Kalin Lucas who happens to be the team’s second-leading scorer.

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The high-energy play he brings to the table could land him a spot on a roster by this time next season.

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