Tom Izzo has never been one to chase headlines in the transfer portal, but when he makes a move, there’s usually a method to the madness. And this season, that method is paying off in a big way - especially with sophomore guard Divine Ugochukwu.
Ugochukwu has gone from an under-the-radar addition to one of the most improved perimeter shooters in the country. According to CBB Analytics, among players who attempted at least 25 threes in both this season and last, Ugochukwu ranks third nationally in 3-point percentage improvement. That’s not just a step forward - that’s a leap.
Let’s rewind for a moment. When Ugochukwu transferred from Miami, the biggest question mark around him was his shooting.
As a freshman, he shot under 20% from beyond the arc - not exactly the profile of a guy you expect to stretch the floor in the Big Ten. And for a Michigan State team that desperately needed shooting help, the move raised eyebrows.
But Izzo saw something in him. Maybe it was the work ethic.
Maybe it was the mechanics. Maybe it was just a gut feeling.
Whatever it was, it’s working.
Ugochukwu has emerged as not just a serviceable shooter, but a legitimate threat from deep - a guy defenses now have to account for. And with that shooting confidence has come a bigger role. His breakout game against Penn State didn’t just turn heads - it earned him a spot in the starting lineup as the Spartans’ two-guard.
He’s now averaging 5.2 points per game, and while that number doesn’t jump off the page, the context matters. His efficiency is up across the board, and he’s playing with the kind of poise and confidence you want in a young guard.
He’s not forcing things. He’s letting the game come to him - and making teams pay when they sag off.
For a Michigan State team with Big Ten title aspirations, Ugochukwu’s growth isn’t just a nice storyline - it’s a real asset. He gives the Spartans versatility in the backcourt, another ball-handler, and most importantly, a shooter who can space the floor and open up the offense for guys like Tyson Walker and A.J. Hoggard.
We’re watching a player evolve in real time. From a freshman who struggled to find his shot, to a sophomore who’s now one of the most improved shooters in college basketball - that’s not just development, that’s transformation.
Izzo’s belief in Ugochukwu is being rewarded. And if the upward trend continues, don’t be surprised if we’re talking about him not just as a key contributor, but as a foundational piece for the Spartans moving forward.
He’s already rewriting the expectations. Now, the ceiling is his to define.