Michigan State Basketball’s Transfer Portal Pursuit for a Center
Michigan State basketball has faced some challenges in its pursuit of a center prospect through the transfer portal. The Spartans are looking to bring in a starting-caliber player at the position to replace Carson Cooper, but their top two targets, Aiden Sherrell and Samet Yititoglu, have committed to Indiana. This development has forced MSU to shift focus to the next group of players on their big board.
Getting a center is a non-negotiable priority for the Spartans this offseason. However, the coaching staff must ensure that the player they bring in can make an impact on the roster during the 2026-27 season. With a new list of potential recruits emerging, it will be interesting to see which players the Spartans invest the most effort into recruiting.
New Names on the Big Board
Anton Bonke (Charlotte)
Anton Bonke is the most notable name on the list, as he recently visited East Lansing. Standing at 7-foot-2, Bonke hails from Port Vila, Vanuatu, and has caught the attention of the Spartans. During his time with the Charlotte 49ers, he averaged 10.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. He ranked in the 94th percentile in block rate and the 97th percentile in both defensive and offensive rebound percentage, making him a perfect fit for Tom Izzo’s style of play.
Bonke has also visited Kansas and is considering offers from Cincinnati, NC State, South Carolina, Clemson, Arkansas, TCU, USC, and Gonzaga. His versatility and performance on the court make him a strong candidate for the Spartans.
Moustapha Thiam (Cincinnati)
Moustapha Thiam had a standout freshman year at UCF and continued to perform well at Cincinnati. As a 7-foot-2 center, he averaged 12.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game with the Bearcats. Thiam demonstrated high-level play on both ends of the court, offering both offensive and defensive upside for any program he joins.
The competition for Thiam includes St. John’s, UConn, Gonzaga, Arkansas, Duke, Kansas, Texas A&M, and Tennessee. His ability to contribute on multiple levels makes him an attractive target for the Spartans.
Franck Kepnang (Washington)
Franck Kepnang is the third confirmed center that the Spartans are targeting. He has played for both Oregon and Washington throughout his college career. Although he struggled with injuries for much of his career, he had a healthy season in 2025-26, averaging 6.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. While his offensive production may not be as high as some other prospects, Kepnang brings a high floor and experience to the table.
Oklahoma, Ohio State, Seton Hall, NC State, Michigan, UConn, and Saint Louis are also in contact with Kepnang. His veteran presence could provide stability for the Spartans’ frontcourt.
Conclusion
As Michigan State continues to refine its transfer portal strategy, the focus remains on finding a reliable center who can elevate the team’s performance. The current list of prospects shows promise, and the Spartans will need to make strategic decisions to secure the right player for their program. With several top-tier candidates still in the mix, the upcoming recruiting period will be crucial for the Spartans’ success.
