Tom Izzo has received a ton of flak from Michigan State fans over his lack of transfer portal moves, especially with limited centers on the board, but the Spartans do still have date options left even after missing on Aiden Sherrell and Samet Yigitoglu.
Carson Cooper could also return, which gives Izzo and the Spartans another option, but the transfer portal likely needs to be utilized if Michigan State wants to have a chance next season.
Who should Izzo be aggressive in landing in the portal?
1. Moustapha Thiam, C, Cincinnati
This is the most unlikely of the three guys on the list, but if Izzo really wants a national title, he needs to spend some serious money on a guy like Moustapha Thiam. This dude is a future pro.
As a sophomore with Cincinnati, Thiam put up 12.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per game and he’s averaging over 2.1 blocks per game over his two-year career. He’s a shot-blocker who can step out and shoot threes and he has a 7-foot-2, 250-pound frame. He’s an ideal center for Michigan State and would immediately elevate the position to championship-levels.
Unfortunately, he is scheduled to visit Michigan on Monday.
2. Anton Bonke, C, Charlotte
I’ve seen some mixed reactions toward Michigan State’s interest in Anton Bonke, but I actually really like what he could bring to the table. The 7-foot-2, 270-pound Charlotte center has the size that would be perfect for the Big Ten and he’d actually probably be a bully in the post with that frame.
Bonke just visited Michigan State this weekend, but he remains uncommitted. That may not be the best sign for the Spartans.
The 7-footer from Charlotte averaged 10.6 points and 8.3 rebounds to go along with 1.5 blocks per game last season and he can shoot some threes. And he’s a legit NBA prospect.
We really can’t complain much if the Spartans get Bonke.
3. Franck Kepnang, C, Washington
This is definitely the No. 3 option out of the ones remaining — really No. 4 if we’re counting a Cooper return as an option. If Cooper isn’t an option, adding a shot-blocking center like Franck Kepnang to complement Ethan Taylor and Jesse McCulloch wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. Unfortunately, that would mean that Michigan State wouldn’t have a true No. 1 center.
A rotation of McCulloch starting and being an offensive threat, replaced by Kepnang when the Spartans need some defense and energy, and then Taylor mixed in wouldn’t be a nightmare, but it’s obviously not an ideal situation.
Still, at this point you need to take bodies, especially if they can defend and rebound.
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