In a twist that feels tailor-made for the unpredictable nature of sports, a former Michigan State player recently reached out to Tom Izzo, expressing some regrets. While Izzo kept the player's identity under wraps, the buzz around town is that it might just be Tre Holloman. This revelation isn't exactly shocking, considering Holloman's journey since leaving the Spartans.
Holloman's decision to leave Michigan State, where he was on the brink of becoming a key player, to join NC State has been a topic of much debate. At NC State, he found himself as the fifth scoring option on a team that didn't make it past the First Four. It’s a stark contrast to the potential legacy he left behind at Michigan State, where he was poised to play a significant role in a Big Ten powerhouse.
Adding to the complexity, Holloman's coach at NC State, Will Wade, who had promised him a substantial role, departed for LSU, leaving Holloman in a lurch. Calling his move a "mistake" might be putting it lightly.
Had Holloman stayed with the Spartans, he likely would have been a starter, possibly at the two-guard spot, logging significant minutes and being a trusted scorer. His presence might have altered Michigan State's roster moves, potentially impacting the recruitment of players like Divine Ugochukwu. And if Ugochukwu still joined and then faced his season-ending injury, Holloman would have been crucial, likely playing 30 minutes a game.
Instead, Holloman's choice led him down a path where the role he sought never materialized, and the coach he trusted moved on. It’s a tough lesson in the world of college basketball, where decisions can change the course of a career in an instant.