Five-Star Receiver Eyes Spartan Spring Showcase
Michigan State has secured an official visit from Harper Woods five-star wideout Deandre Bidden on March 28, aligning with the program’s sixth of 15 spring practices. Bidden, ranked fifth nationally in the class of 2028 and top among Michigan prospects, holds offers from powerhouse programs like Ohio State, Alabama, and USC. MSU hopes to leverage its in-state appeal and new head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s vision to keep Bidden home. The visit comes as part of a push to reestablish East Lansing as a recruiting destination for elite talent, particularly in the wide receiver room coached by Courtney Hawkins.
Pat Fitzgerald is about to roll out the Spartan red carpet—complete with green foam fingers and free gym memberships—to impress a teenager who probably has more NIL offers than the entire football roster combined. Meanwhile, Courtney Hawkins will remind Bidden that Michigan State has produced receivers like “that guy who once caught a pass in 2022.” In short, MSU’s selling point is nostalgia plus proximity, because nothing says “future NFL star” like staying within five miles of the Big Three freeway exit.
Three Traits Spartans Must Flaunt in the Big Ten
Entering the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals with a triple-bye, MSU faces No. 6 seed UCLA in Chicago. The Spartans need a spark from their bench—averaging only 15 points over the past five games versus a season average of 21—to support starters logging over 80 percent of minutes. Star Jaxon Kohler must maintain his recent surge (19.7 points, 9.3 rebounds over three games) to keep opponents honest inside. And the team’s vaunted defense, once No. 1 nationally, must regain its early-season tenacity as offensive pace has surged.
Tom Izzo’s summer reading list now includes “Bench Players for Dummies,” because he’d clearly forgotten they exist until Michigan knocked off his starters like bowling pins. Meanwhile, Jaxon Kohler’s auditioning for “Spartans Got Talent” with nightly double-double performances—just waiting for Simon to buzz. And defensively, MSU must pretend last month’s lull was a comedian’s open mic routine rather than a blueprint for giving up 80 points. If all three happen, Izzo’s Braggarts Anonymous meeting can be cancelled.
Freshman Forward Could Propel Spartans in Chicago
Jordan Scott, a promising five-star recruit from Virginia, has emerged as a key contributor for Michigan State’s third-seeded Big Ten Tournament squad. After cracking the starting lineup, the freshman posted career highs—15 points on 5-of-8 shooting at Minnesota—and delivered a string of four straight double-figure outings. His defense also contained standout opponents. However, Scott’s scoring cooled in the final three regular-season games (4 of 13 shooting), highlighting the Spartans’ need for sustained production beyond their top three scorers.
Remember when freshmen were just Instagram influencers on campus? Not anymore—Jordan Scott has been forced into action like a surprise pop-quiz, and he actually delivered. Now, as the postseason beckons, MSU hopes he remembers how to shoot from beyond the arc instead of pulling up for a selfie. If Scott’s hot hand returns, the starters can finally take a snack break. Otherwise, coach Izzo might issue a formal declaration: “Bench the bench!”
Three Keys to Topple UCLA in the Big Ten Opener
Michigan State’s first postseason test pits No. 3 Spartans against No. 6 UCLA. To advance, MSU must neutralize point guard Donovan Dent, fresh off the tournament’s first triple-double. Perimeter defense is critical; the Bruins led the conference with 37.7 percent three-point shooting during league play, with multiple sharpshooters above 40 percent. Finally, ball security will decide the outcome—MSU averages 11.5 turnovers per game against UCLA’s 9.0.
Controlling Donovan Dent is like trying to wrangle an energizer bunny armed with a basketball—good luck, Spartans. Michigan State’s perimeter group will double team every passing cloud in hopes of disrupting those deadly deep bombs. And turnover discipline? Izzo’s squad will treat the ball like a Fabergé egg, because one slip-up sends them straight home. If MSU remembers these three tiny details, maybe they’ll make it past the first round without a meltdown.
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