As the dust settles from Michigan State's exit from the NCAA Tournament, Spartans fans are left in that familiar offseason limbo. With the Final Four looming, attention shifts to what lies ahead for Tom Izzo and his squad.
There's plenty on Izzo's plate, particularly with roster changes involving Carson Cooper, Trey Fort, Denham Wojcik, and Jaxon Kohler. These departures open up spots for incoming freshmen, yet the potential for unexpected transfers could see Izzo dipping into the transfer portal. He’s made it clear that any new additions will align with the culture he’s built at Michigan State.
Enter Devin Royal, a name that might ring a bell for Spartans followers. The Ohio State forward, a 6'7 junior, has entered the transfer portal after a season where he averaged 13.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. Reports from DraftExpress confirm Royal’s intentions, sparking curiosity about his next move.
Royal has long been on Izzo's radar, dating back to his days as a top high school prospect. Despite a solid junior year, Royal’s development didn’t quite hit the heights of his standout sophomore season. While his skill set as a small forward is clear, Michigan State’s current roster configuration doesn’t seem to have an immediate opening for him.
Could Izzo rekindle his interest in Royal? The coach once heavily pursued Royal before he committed to Ohio State, and while those recruiting ties might have loosened, the possibility remains intriguing.
Right now, Michigan State boasts a robust lineup of wings, and Royal’s fit isn’t obvious. Playing him as a small-ball four isn't ideal, especially with versatile players like Coen Carr already in the mix.
However, if roster changes occur, Izzo might just reach out to Royal, a player he has always envisioned in Spartan green and white. Still, the primary focus for portal activity seems to be on bolstering the frontcourt.
As the offseason unfolds, keep an eye on these dynamics. Izzo’s strategic moves could set the tone for an exciting new chapter in Michigan State basketball.