As we hit the midway point of the 2025-26 college basketball season, it’s a good time to check in on a few familiar names who once wore the green and white of Michigan State. Three former Spartans made moves through the transfer portal this past offseason, each looking for a fresh start and more opportunity. So far, the results have been mixed - a little breakout, a little setback, and a whole lot of adjustment.
Let’s dive into how things are shaping up for Xavier Booker, Tre Holloman, and Gehrig Normand at their new homes.
Xavier Booker, PF, UCLA Bruins
Xavier Booker’s move to UCLA came with high expectations - and early on, he looked every bit the part. The 6-foot-11 forward from Indianapolis got off to a strong start in Westwood, showcasing the kind of stretch-big potential that had Michigan State fans excited when he first arrived in East Lansing.
While his minutes have dipped in recent weeks, Booker made a statement on Tuesday night when the Bruins took down No. 4 Purdue in a marquee upset. He logged 35 minutes, scored nine points, and swatted three shots - a reminder of how impactful he can be when given the runway.
On the season, Booker is putting up career-highs across the board: 6.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, while knocking down nearly 42% of his threes. That kind of shooting from a near seven-footer is no small thing. Even if his role has fluctuated, performances like the one against Purdue show that Booker still has the tools to swing games on both ends of the floor.
Tre Holloman, G, NC State Wolfpack
Tre Holloman made headlines when he transferred to NC State, citing a desire to “play for a coach who believes” in him. But halfway through the season, the reality hasn’t been all that different from his days at Michigan State.
Statistically, Holloman’s numbers are nearly identical to last season. He’s averaging 9.7 points, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 rebounds in 24.7 minutes per game - a slight uptick in scoring, but a dip in assists and boards compared to his 2024-25 line of 9.1 points, 3.7 assists, and 1.9 rebounds in 23.1 minutes.
He’s been dealing with an ankle injury that’s sidelined him for a stretch, and since returning, he’s still trying to shake off the rust. He hasn’t hit double figures in scoring since December 21, but he’s only played four games since then.
That said, NC State just picked up a gritty road win over a ranked Clemson squad, improving to 13-6. Holloman’s role may not have expanded the way he hoped, but there’s still time for him to find his rhythm in the back half of the season - especially if he can stay healthy and build momentum.
Gehrig Normand, G, Santa Clara Broncos
For Gehrig Normand, the 2025-26 season hasn’t even started - at least not on the court. The sophomore guard transferred to Santa Clara with expectations of carving out a significant role on a Broncos team contending in the West Coast Conference. But a preseason injury has kept him sidelined through the first half of the year.
Santa Clara is off to a strong 16-5 start, and Normand was expected to be a contributor in that rotation. While there’s no timetable yet for his return, his presence could still be a factor down the stretch if he’s able to get back on the floor.
Final Thoughts
Transfers are always a gamble - sometimes it’s about fit, sometimes it’s about timing, and sometimes it’s just about staying healthy. For these three former Spartans, the journey is still unfolding.
Booker has flashed real upside at UCLA, especially when he’s given the opportunity. Holloman’s move to NC State hasn’t unlocked a bigger role just yet, but he remains a steady contributor with room to grow. And Normand, while sidelined for now, still has time to make his mark once he’s healthy.
We’ll keep watching as their seasons progress - because if there’s one thing we know about college hoops, it’s that the second half of the season often writes a very different story than the first.