Michigan State basketball: Tyson Walker to make decision “this weekend”

Tom Izzo and Michigan State basketball are making a strong push for one of the most talented transfers on the market in Tyson Walker.

One school is going to get a really good point guard this weekend.

After the season ended abruptly last Thursday, Michigan State now has more time to focus on the offseason and the need for a legitimate point guard with experience.

Tom Izzo has reached out to star Northeastern guard Tyson Walker who announced his decision to transfer recently and the Spartans are now firmly in the running for him. And he has a decision date set for this weekend with a handful of other finalists.

Walker also has Maryland, Texas, Kansas, Vanderbilt and Miami on his short list, but a case could be made for the Spartans having the biggest need for a point guard. They played the entire 2020-21 season without a true point as Foster Loyer struggled as a backup before his injury and Rocket Watts was forced to slide over from his natural two-guard position.

AJ Hoggard played some point, but it’s clear that he has some growing to do at the position before he can take over full time.

The Northeastern transfer averaged 18.8 points and 4.4 assists as a sophomore this past season and shot 44 percent from the floor and 35 percent from deep. Although he played weak competition in conference play, he had some of his best games against major conference opponents. He had 19 points and six assists against Georgia, 10 points and three assists against West Virginia and 27 points at North Carolina.

Michigan State’s starting five would get an immediate upgrade at the point and that would help ease someone like Jaden Akins into the role.