Tom Izzo has been expanding his 2027 recruiting board quite a bit over the past few weeks with a handful of offers as well as appearances at summer tournaments.
Michigan State has added some new offers to some guards as well a top-50 center in Jadyn Jenkins from Pennsylvania. He’s really eyeing guards, but it appears that he wants to at least pick up one center. I’m not sure if there are going to be two or three spots open next offseason, but if it’s two, I think he goes point guard and center. He’ll have plenty of wings and forwards, but I think adding a center, especially if Bonke leaves, would be ideal.
That center could be the newly-publicly-scouted publicly Kamsi Awaka from New Jersey.
Izzo was reportedly checking in on Awaka on Friday along with UConn’s Dan Hurley.
4⭐️ Kamsi Awaka showcased his entire skill set in New Heights’ win over Garner Road @3SSBCircuit 👀
— League Ready (@LeagueRDY) July 18, 2026
UConn and Michigan State checked in on the big man from New Jersey. pic.twitter.com/zaHIHN6ifB
Awkaka looks like more of an old-school center that Izzo loves every few years. He’s also usually pretty good at molding them into modern centers because he sees versatility in their game. This mold is someone like a Xavier Tillman or a Draymond Green.
Like those guys, I think Izzo likes the physical style of play that Awaka possesses despite him being listed as a 6-foot-8 center. He could potentially play the four at the collegiate level, but that would likely require him to add some mobility and also a consistent long-range jumper. In the highlight of the game that Izzo watched, Awaka essentially only finished at the rim. I will say that’s something that Michigan State has missed for years — someone who can just go get a bucket.
That’s the style of play I expect from Cam Ward this season.
Izzo loves these smaller, more physical centers, and I think he’s considering a one-two punch of the tallest player he’s ever coached and a stronger-bodied center who likes to just go get a bucket. I think Spartan fans would be OK with that combo.
Center is becoming a strength for Michigan State
A couple of years ago, Michigan State was facing a bit of a center crisis, but it was addressed by a nice bridging-the-gap player like Szymon Zapala. Xavier Booker never really panned out at center (and was built more for the four anyway) and Carson Cooper split time with the Longwood transfer.
The position then felt even more solidified with Cooper starting this past season and Jaxon Kohler posted up right next to him in the post. There wasn’t a ton of depth, but it was a net positive position for a second straight year. Now, entering the 2026-27 season, it feels like it’s going to be a strength.
Michigan State brought in Anton Bonke who tested the NBA draft waters as a 7-foot-2 center from Charlotte as well as an alleged 7-foot-2 incoming freshman in top-40 center Ethan Taylor.
Along with those two newcomers, Michigan State will have Jesse McCulloch to assume a backup role as he enters his third season. He’s a real breakout candidate for the Spartans.
Add in a guy like Awaka or Jenkins in 2027 and I think the position becomes a strength for the forseeable future.
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