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Michigan State basketball: Tom Izzo proving he’s willing to utilize transfer portal

By Connor Muldowney

Mar 19, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo yells to his team during the second round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament against the Marquette Golden Eagles at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchBasketball Ncaa Men S Basketball Tournament Round 2
Mar 19, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo yells to his team during the second round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament against the Marquette Golden Eagles at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchBasketball Ncaa Men S Basketball Tournament Round 2 /
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Tom Izzo has openly knocked the transfer portal and he even failed to utilize it with some open scholarships heading into the 2022-23 season. But the Michigan State basketball coach knows that it may be time to adjust.

Plus, two of his best players this season are former transfers.

He knows, especially after seeing some former transfers take over the Big Ten and college basketball this season, that he’s going to have to adjust quickly if Michigan State is going to make another run next year.

Izzo has already reached out to a couple of transfers in High Point’s Zack Austin and Butler’s Jayden Taylor.

And now, he’s reportedly reached out to Illinois-Chicago transfer Jace Carter.

Carter averaged 16.6 points and 7.0 rebounds this season from the wing while shooting 46 percent from the floor and 30 percent from deep. He did shoot just 69 percent from the free throw line but you know that’s something that Izzo would have him work on.

This would be a nice addition to next year’s roster.

How would Carter fit with Michigan State basketball?

It feels like Izzo is going all-in on getting another wing with guys like Tyson Walker, Malik Hall, and Joey Hauser moving on. It makes sense.

A starting five if Carter were to pick the Spartans would be something like this:

  1. AJ Hoggard
  2. Jaden Akins
  3. Jace Carter
  4. Xavier Booker
  5. Mady Sissoko

Not too shabby. Obviously there are other options, but that would be the group if Walker nor Hall came back. I’m already assuming Hauser is moving on.

Carter would be a threat to score from anywhere and I could see him improving his 3-point touch under Izzo much like Walker did after coming over from Northeastern with a 35 percent clip. He’s a long wing and it’s obvious that he can defend as he averages 1.8 steals per game.

This feels like a very Izzo player.

Izzo is proving that he’s willing to adjust his stance on the transfer portal and utilize it in order to keep up with the big boys of college basketball.

Next. 3 takeaways from MSU's win over Marquette. dark

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