The spring transfer portal window has closed, but Michigan State basketball still needs a big. Who could Tom Izzo target?
The transfer portal window for underclassmen has officially closed as of May 1 and the Michigan State basketball roster seems set in stone — for now.
Tom Izzo has spoken about having two open roster spots this offseason and he’s already filled one with the addition of Omaha transfer Frankie Fidler. Now it’s time for him to utilize the other one on a big man.
While a center would be ideal so Xavier Booker can play the four, most Michigan State fans would tell you that they’d also take a power forward. And fortunately, there are still some really good ones on the market.
Will Izzo actually reach out to any? It’s hard to say, but if he does, these guys should be atop the list.
Great Osobor, C, Utah State (6-8, 250 pounds)
While not the biggest center out there, Great Osobor is one of the top players in the transfer portal and plays much bigger than his 6-foot-8 frame. He’s also a do-it-all big man who would immediately improve the post on both ends of the floor. Plus, Xavier Tillman was 6-foot-7 and 245 pounds so Osobor is actually bigger than the last elite center the Spartans had.
It’s likely too late in the process as Osobor has taken visits and is narrowing his list, but if Izzo showed some interest and got a visit, that could change. Osobor is an incredible talent and averaged 17.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game last season. He also shot 58 percent from the floor. Having him at the five and Booker at the four would be massive.
Cliff Omoruyi, C, Rutgers (6-11, 240 pounds)
Who says no to adding one of the best centers from the Big Ten? Cliff Omoruyi has been in the transfer portal for what seems like an eternity and he just visited North Carolina on Thursday so now would be a good time for Izzo to act.
Omoruyi is already familiar with the Big Ten and put up solid numbers with 10.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game. A great defender and a center who can score is just what this lineup needs. Last season was actually a step back from his 2022-23 campaign in which he averaged 13.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. That kind of production would make Michigan State basketball a legit title contender.
Norchad Omeir, PF, Miami (6-7, 240 pounds)
Another guy who isn’t huge by any means, Norchad Omeir would be an excellent addition to a lineup in need of a post-scoring big. Omeir is technically a power forward, but Izzo could switch him and Booker based on matchups. St. John’s is currently the presumed leader for him.
Omeir was a beast at Miami during his four years there. He averaged over 12 points and 10 rebounds every single season and wrapped up his career with the Hurricanes averaging 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 2023-24. Imagine him grabbing boards and scoring down low while defending other team’s biggest players and Booker stretching the floor, improving defensively, and being an elite lob threat. That post duo would be insane.
JT Toppin, PF, New Mexico (6-9, 210 pounds)
This is one of the newer names in the portal that truly intrigues me. If Izzo sees Booker as more of a center, JT Toppin would be a fun addition at power forward after he had a big freshman season with New Mexico. He broke out for 12.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 62 percent from the floor in 26.6 minutes per game. His conditioning clearly wasn’t an issue and he’s still growing.
Toppin entered the portal just a few days ago so it would be a good time to get involved, but I’d expect his recruitment to blow up. He has a ton of potential on both ends of the floor and he can also stretch the floor as a 3-point threat, making 34 percent from deep last season.
Plus, Izzo would have to love the three years of eligibility remaining.
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