Michigan State basketball should target Kansas transfer Bryce Thompson

A new name hit the transfer portal on Tuesday afternoon but it was a familiar one for Michigan State basketball fans.

Bryce Thompson, a former five-star and top MSU target, entered the transfer portal, departing from Kansas after just one season. He didn’t have the greatest first collegiate season but he battled injuries and thought it was best for him to find a fresh start somewhere else as a sophomore.

Tom Izzo should be on the phone immediately as he’ll be one of the top transfers on the market.

Sure, he averaged just 4.6 points and 1.1 assists per game but he showed some flashes this season, including a 12-point performance against Gonzaga to start the year. He shot 5-for-10 in the loss.

Thompson was the No. 21 overall recruit in the 2020 class and also the fourth-best combo guard, according to 247Sports. The Tulsa, Okla., native is reported to be looking closely at Oklahoma and Oklahoma State after transferring out, but if he leaves the Big 12, Michigan State has to be one of the schools on his radar.

Michigan State did make his top seven during the recruiting process and was one of the programs pushing hard for him. Izzo needs to make the calls.

Bryce Thompson could benefit Michigan State basketball right away

Izzo is in the market for a wing or a two-guard to complement Tyson Walker, Jaden Akins, and AJ Hoggard at point guard. The Spartans lost a few wings in Josh Langford, Aaron Henry, and Rocket Watts so this addition would make sense and it’d fill an immediate need.

While Thompson struggled with his shooting touch this season, he was solid before missing a month with a hand injury. Confidence may have also taken a hit.

In the right situation, Thompson could excel at shooting guard and that could very well be in East Lansing.