It’s been an interesting week for Michigan State fans and it’s going to be capped off with official visits for Pat Fitzgerald and the football program, but first, Tom Izzo has some business to tend to.
Jeremy Fears Jr. is now mere hours away from the NBA draft decision deadline and mum has been the word throughout the past couple of weeks. Izzo hinted at getting Fears back during a recent appearance at an event in Mackinac but he can say whatever he wants, it means nothing until the All-American point guard officially announced his return.
While we’re all (im)patiently waiting on a decision from Fears, another Spartan who has been going through the NBA draft process has withdrawn his name and will be returning to Michigan State.
Anton Bonke withdrew his name on Wednesday, potentially giving Spartan fans a nice appetizer before the main course (Fears). These two announcing that they’re returning to Michigan State for the 2026-27 season within hours of each other would pull countless Spartans back from the brink. It’s been a nightmare of a waiting game, especially since basically every decision has already been made.
I’m sure Fears has already decided and let the involved parties know, but if midnight rolls around and we haven’t heard anything, panicking only feels right.
A Fears return video would be incredible right about now.
Anton Bonke’s return can’t be overlooked
Getting Bonke out of the draft process and to East Lansing is a big move and losing him to the NBA never really crossed any of our minds. The fact that he was going through the process is a positive thing because he got feedback and likely improved his overall game and feels that he’s good enough to play in the NBA one day.
The 7-foot-2 center from Charlotte had a breakout season with the 49ers, averaging 10.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. He wasn’t just a dunk merchant, though, he actually had the ability to step out and hit the three, making 34.2% in 2025-26. Having a 7-footer who can make almost 35 percent from three is going to be huge.
The Spartans’ center position has been bolstered this offseason with Bonke, the return of Jesse McCulloch, and the addition of Ethan Taylor.
Michigan State’s frontcourt is looking pretty formidable.
Now we’re all forced to wait probably until 11:58 p.m. ET to hear about the Fears decision. Joy.
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