Coming in second place for Darius Adams for a second time in this recruiting cycle has a faction of Michigan State basketball fans triggering that panic button.
The Spartans lost Tre Holloman, Jaden Akins, and Jase Richardson from the backcourt this offseason and they only return Jeremy Fears Jr. and Kur Teng while bringing in Trey Fort to help out with some depth back there. Three options in the backcourt and only one who can handle point guard duties? That's less than ideal.
The concern from a faction of the fanbase is valid, but Tom Izzo has never been one to just mail it in when there's a chance to improve the roster. He is trying to win No. 2, after all.
So even though he missed on Adams (again) earlier this week as he committed to Maryland, Izzo kept his options open and he has reportedly reached out to a potential backup point guard transfer.
Divine Ugochukwu is probably a name most Michigan State fans haven't heard before, but the freshman from Miami played 20 minutes in his first year of college ball and averaged just over five points per game on 48 percent shooting from the floor. He also averaged 2.3 assists and 1.9 rebounds per game as he handled some point guard duties.
Ugochukwu doesn't have elite size or an eye-popping skill set, but he fits the description of a solid backup point guard and he has three years of eligibility left. Plus, he's being recruited by some solid programs.
I'm not sure if this is Izzo's only backup option (likely not), but it sounds like he, at the very least, covered some bases by reaching out to a younger player with potential. Ugochukwu is obviously no Adams, but he looks like a guy who could fill that Holloman role (but not quite as good of a shooter).