Tom Izzo faced a tall task this offseason: find a center to replace Carson Cooper and wgo will be the perfect final piece to Michigan State’s national title puzzle.
After weeks of hearing the fans moan and groan over missing top targets, Izzo circled back with one of the first center transfers mentioned as a Spartan target. Anton Bonke committed to Michigan State but revealed that he was also focused on the NBA draft process.
On draft decision deadline day, Bonke returned.
Michigan State not only added a 7-foot-2 center who can shoot threes, but also a potential 2027 NBA Draft prospect.
I’ve seen Bonke on some 2027 NBA Draft big boards already and NBA Draft Room said that he’s a “possible second round pick”. With a year of the same coaching that turned Carson Cooper into a top half of the Big Ten center, I could see Bonke sliding into that second-round range. If he’s as skilled as I believe he is, I think he has a chance to be early-to-mid second round next year.
Bonke could shoot threes (just over 34 percent) and was a load to handle in the post. Defenders just didn’t like facing up against him one-on-one and with his size, drawing doubles will be a regular thing.
That’s going to work in Michigan State’s favor.
He’s got size, he’s tough, and he’s skilled. Michigan State fans are going to love Bonke and this summer is going to be huge for his development as an NBA draft prospect.
Anton Bonke is quietly the perfect fit
With the departure of Cooper, Michigan State’s center position needed some length as well as a guy who could maybe add a little more floor-spacing.
Bonke fits that description perfectly.
The Charlotte transfer is 7-foot-2, 270 pounds and looks every bit of it. He‘a also a strong shooter for his size. He shot about 58 percent from the floor in 2025-26 and just over 34 percent from three which is somewhat unheard of for a guy his size. If he can add ”pick-and-roll lob threat” to his resume, I think Michigan State has the perfect Cooper replacement.
Conditioning will be important this summer if he’s going to play 20-plus minutes on a Big Ten team that loves running the fast break. Cooper was able to do it so why not Bonke?
Michigan State’s projected starting five is filled with potential NBA draft picks.
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