Michigan State basketball fans really just want one thing (other than a national title): an elite transfer center. The Spartans just wrapped up another decent season, going 27-8 with a Sweet 16 berth, but they fell short of their goals due to a deficiency of shooters on the roster.
The Spartans just didn't have the shooters to really compete and when it mattered most, Michigan State started off ice-cold from the floor. They fell behind by 19 in the first half against UConn before storming back to take a lead in the second half. They ran out of gas, however, because they just didn't have the depth (Kaleb Glenn and Divine Ugochukwu injuries didn't help) nor the consistent offense.
Now, the Spartans are heading into the 2026-27 season with a projected backcourt that's about six deep and the only deficiency on the roster is the center spot.
Michigan State could use any help it can get in the post, but the center position is the most crucial given that Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper are moving on and they played a majority of those minutes. Jesse McCulloch and incoming freshman Ethan Taylor just aren't going to be ready yet.
That means that Tom Izzo will need to spend a little bit of money in the portal. Many want him to target Alabama center transfer Aiden Sherrell, but a recent update could change that.
FWIW: I am told that Alabama big man Aiden Sherrell hasn’t officially entered the transfer portal at this time.
— Crimson Coverage (@CrimsonCoverage) April 9, 2026
Something to monitor moving forward… pic.twitter.com/JnfL0Erilo
While this is just a report and no one has really reported anything further on it, I have seen others say that Nate Oats is working to try to keep Sherrell. This is going to be a tough recruitment for Izzo.
Where would Michigan State go from here?
If Sherrell does stay with Alabama, Michigan State will still have some options. The portal just opened a couple of days ago and there are intriguing names hitting the market every hour.
Izzo should keep an eye on younger guys who have elite shot-blocking abilities like Moustapha Thiam of Cincinnati or Massamba Diop of Arizona State. Those are just a couple of names that have stood out to me who have entered in recent days and they may just be cheap enough for Izzo to take a chance on.
There has to be a move made to ensure that the team that's one player away from being a legit national title favorite doesn't remain one player away.