Michigan State Basketball: Matt McQuaid given a chance in G-League

Former Michigan State basketball star Matt McQuaid has earned himself an opportunity to prove himself with a G-League contract.

After what can only be considered a successful Michigan State basketball career which ended with a Final Four run and an appearance on the Big Ten’s all-defensive team, Matt McQuaid found himself on the outside of the NBA draft pool, looking in.

Not hearing his name called during the 2019 NBA Draft wasn’t a shock, but it was a little surprising that the Pistons didn’t give him a ton of run in the Summer League.

McQuaid ended up signing with the Fraport Skyliners in Germany and played in 21 games, averaging 5.9 points, 1.2 rebounds and 0.8 steals in just over 13 minutes. He wasn’t exactly a breakout star, but he did continue to shoot well and even after a pedestrian run in Germany, he’s earning another shot at the NBA with a G-League opportunity.

The Canton Charge, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ G-League affiliate, signed McQuaid on Friday and while that may not be the biggest news in the world, it means that he’s one step closer to reaching his goal of playing in the NBA.

Will it happen? Who knows, but this is an important move in his long journey.

McQuaid brings a three-and-D style of play to the G-League and we all know the NBA is looking for those types of players. If you can shoot and play defense, the NBA will find a spot for you.

It’ll be interesting to see how he seizes this opportunity and if he can fare better than he did overseas in 2019-20.

It’s good to have you back close to home, Matt.