Thomas Kithier transfer opens scholarship up for Emoni Bates

When Thomas Kithier entered the transfer portal on Tuesday morning, it had a huge impact on the potential Emoni Bates forecast, at least from Michigan State basketball’s end of things.

Kithier put Michigan State at the transfer limit but with him leaving, that frees up space for Tom Izzo to either go after another player in the transfer portal or leave a spot open for Bates who committed to the 2022 class over the summer but has yet to announce if he’s going to reclassify, head to the G-League or play overseas.

There was always somewhat of a worry about the scholarship limit if he did choose to reclassify and play for Michigan State because the Spartans were at capacity. After adding Tyson Walker in the portal, they needed to shed two scholarship players in order to have room.

Kithier’s departure marks the second departure as he joins Rocket Watts as the other now-former Spartan to enter the portal.

Is Emoni’s reclassification the next move?

How is staff treating Emoni Bates situation?

According to a report from Justin Thind, the staff may not just sit and wait with an open scholarship as another transfer could be an option.

Sure, Izzo will be active in the portal to find the right guy to fit that hole, but my gut is telling me that the Spartans aren’t done with the attrition. There could be another name that enters the portal when it’s all said and done which could allow the Spartans to target a player from the portal as well as bringing in Bates if he wants to be in East Lansing.

Kithier made a lot possible with his decision to transfer and Bates watch is officially on.