Frankie Fidler’s first crack at NBA Summer League brought a little bit of everything: some rough shooting, a useful stat line and enough flashes to suggest he belongs in the mix.
The former Michigan State forward, who had been playing overseas in Latvia before returning to the United States for Summer League, is still chasing his NBA dream after going undrafted following the 2024-25 season. In his debut with the Trail Blazers, he finished as Portland’s second-leading scorer in an 81-79 loss to the Phoenix Suns.
Fidler played 23 minutes and posted 13 points, two steals and a plus-4. He went 3-for-9 from the floor, but he did make all four of his free throws. He also ranked fourth on the team in plus/minus and was fifth in minutes played, even while starting the game.
The shot volume was there, even if the efficiency wasn’t. He took the fewest attempts of any starter, and that kind of scoring line won’t be enough if he wants to push toward a two-way contract or land on a G-League roster. Still, for a first Summer League outing, it was a solid place to begin.
That’s especially true considering how his lone season at Michigan State went. Fidler didn’t meet his own expectations there, but the issue was never talent. The skill set has always been there; the bigger question has been confidence, and in this game he at least looked comfortable enough to show he can hang.
His time in Latvia suggested there’s more scoring in him than what showed up against Phoenix, so the early shooting issues can be chalked up to first-game nerves for now. The important part is that he got on the floor, made an impact and gave the Trail Blazers something to work with.
In Other News...
UCF May Have A Real Answer In Its Center Battle
UCFs center competition has a familiar name in the mix for anyone who followed Michigan States offensive line over the last couple of seasons. Cooper Terpstra arrives with some real interior experience, including work at center and a lone start there, which gives the Knights a possible answer at a spot where continuity matters as much as talent. For a program trying to sort out its 2026 roster, that kind of background can separate a placeholder from someone who can handle the job from day one.
Terpstras path also gives Michigan State fans a reason to keep one eye on Orlando, because the Spartans saw enough of him to know he can function in the middle of the line. UCF is also bringing along defensive tackle Trenton Turner, a former high school state champion and two-sport athlete who is still early in his college career and expected to learn behind more established linemen. The Knights are clearly building depth on both sides of the line, but the more immediate question is whether Terpstras experience translates into the kind of steady center play that can settle an offense. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan State Finally Has A Real Jeremy Fears Relief Watch
Kaleb Glenn has been working his way back into Michigan States basketball picture this summer, and the Moneyball Pro-Am has offered the first real public look at where he stands after last Junes patellar tendon injury. Glenn has looked physically stronger than before the setback and has used the run as part of his rehab, a useful sign for a Spartans team that needs more help creating offense beyond its primary options.
The bigger question is how quickly Glenn can turn that strength into full trust in his body, because the return of a versatile scorer would matter for a Michigan State offense that lacked secondary creators last season. Glenn still feels like he is regaining that last bit of rhythm, but he expects to be ready by the start of the season in late October, which would give the Spartans a welcome extra layer when the games start to count. [Read more 🡒]