The NCAA transfer portal is abuzz with activity once again, and it has seen two notable updates that have sparked conversations among college basketball fans. Michigan State has bid farewell to key players, while St. John’s has bolstered its roster with promising talent. Here’s a look at the latest updates from the NCAA basketball scene.
Michigan State Faces Change
Tre Holloman Looks for a Fresh Start
Michigan State guard Tre Holloman has decided to explore new opportunities by entering the transfer portal. The Minneapolis native played an important role during his junior year, averaging 9.1 points and 3.7 assists per game. Holloman had standout performances throughout the season, including a career-high 20 points in a win against Michigan and some exceptional play in the NCAA Tournament.
Despite his contributions, the Spartans suffered a disappointing loss to Auburn in the Elite Eight, which could have played a part in Holloman seeking new challenges. Holloman’s departure is significant for Michigan State and has left fans wondering about the Spartans’ future guard lineup.
Xavier Booker Exits Michigan State
Highly-touted recruit Xavier Booker also entered the transfer portal after two seasons with the Spartans. Booker, a towering 6-foot-11 center, was once regarded as one of Tom Izzo’s top prospects. However, his collegiate career didn’t live up to the high expectations set during recruitment.
Booker struggled to find consistent playing time, falling out of Michigan State’s rotation during his sophomore year. Despite this, his size and flashes of potential make him an intriguing prospect for programs seeking to bolster their frontcourt. Booker is expected to receive considerable interest from other teams looking to develop his skills.
Tough Losses for Michigan State
The Spartans are experiencing a period of uncertainty as multiple players, including Gehrig Normand, entered the transfer portal. These departures leave head coach Tom Izzo with critical gaps to fill ahead of the next season.
St. John’s Strengthens Its Ranks
While Michigan State deals with its losses, St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino has wasted no time in making impactful moves. Coming off a historic 31-5 season that included Big East regular-season and tournament championships, the Red Storm continues to evolve by adding exciting new talent to their roster.
Joson Sanon Joins the Red Storm
Former Arizona State guard Joson Sanon, a five-star high school recruit, has committed to St. John’s. Sanon is regarded as an exceptional shooter and athlete, having averaged 11.9 points per game in his freshman season with the Sun Devils. His ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc (shooting 36.9% from three) is a valuable asset for a St. John’s team that struggled with perimeter offense last season.
Sanon also demonstrated impressive scoring potential toward the end of the season, averaging 18.8 points in his final five games. With three years of eligibility remaining, Sanon brings energy and scoring depth to Pitino’s squad.
Bryce Hopkins Adds Versatility and Leadership
Joining Sanon at St. John’s is former Providence forward Bryce Hopkins. Despite injuries that sidelined him for much of the past two seasons, Hopkins has established himself as a versatile and impactful player when healthy. He averaged 15.8 points and 8.5 rebounds over three years with Providence, showing glimpses of his ability to dominate in the paint as well as extend plays on the perimeter.
Standing at 6-foot-7, Hopkins offers flexibility in multiple positions, making him a valuable addition to St. John’s roster. Having overcome past challenges, Hopkins looks eager to make his mark under Pitino’s leadership.
What This Means for Both Programs
The departures of Holloman and Booker mark a transitional moment for Michigan State, as the Spartans will have to regroup and address key gaps in their roster. Head coach Tom Izzo now faces the challenge of reloading with suitable replacements for the upcoming season.
On the other hand, St. John’s displays ambition under the guidance of Rick Pitino. Adding young and talented players like Sanon and Hopkins signals the program’s commitment to maintaining its upward trajectory after a successful season. Fans of the Red Storm have reason to be optimistic about the team’s chances in the competitive Big East Conference.
Looking Ahead
For college basketball enthusiasts, the transfer portal introduces endless possibilities, keeping the action ongoing even during the offseason. Michigan State and St. John’s both represent engaging stories of adversity and opportunity, and their respective journeys will be closely watched in the forthcoming season.
Stay tuned for updates as the offseason unfolds and teams continue to shape their rosters for what promises to be another thrilling year of NCAA basketball!
