Did Michigan State basketball make the right move in the portal at center?

Tom Izzo actually added a center to Michigan State basketball and fans are mad -- seriously.

Zapala checks in at 7-foot-0 and 240 pounds and should be a welcome addition to the Michigan State frontcourt.

Zapala made the news official on Tuesday.

With returners in Jaxson Kohler and Carson Cooper, and the departure of Mady Sissoko to California, the team needed to add another frontcourt piece. The Spartans did just that, as the Poland native looks to build off a solid 2023-24 season with Longwood, as he was a key piece in helping the team reach the NCAA tournament for just the second time ever.

Before Longwood, Zapala spent three seasons at Utah State where he couldn't quite crack the lineup, before joining Longwood for the 2023-24 season. His performance last season certainly stands out as he averaged 9.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

Spartan Nation has been begging for a new big man, and though many were hoping for a big fish given all the talent that the transfer portal had to offer this offseason, Izzo appears to have found the center he wants to give the team more depth in the post.

Zapala becomes the first true 7-footer Michigan State has had in years. Though he's a much-needed add, in my opinion, some in Spartan Nation don't seem to share that sentiment which is crazy to me, given everyone has been begging for a big man, and the minute Izzo adds one, those same fans are going crazy, without even seeing him take to the floor at the Breslin Center.

Izzo has made it very clear that he is confident that both Kohler and Cooper can take the leap this offseason, and are finally ready to make the impact the team has needed now that they are juniors.

For those fans who continue to dog Izzo, I know we have all seen the other teams in the Big Ten grab players out of the portal like they're candy bars, but you have to give this new group a chance. Especially with Xavier Booker, and incoming freshman Jesse McCulloch also in the mix in the frontcourt for the 2024-25 season.

Let me be one of the first to warmly welcome you to Michigan State, Szymon. Glad to have you and hope you enjoy your time here.