After Michigan State basketball lost Tre Holloman in the transfer portal following the 2024-25 season, things were getting thin with ball handlers for Tom Izzo.
Hence, the Spartans had been looking to add a player who could take some of the load off and relieve starting point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. Michigan State appears to have found their guy.
Devine Ugochukwu (No. 99) holds the ball during the Miami Hurricanes game at North Carolina.© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
After hosting several Zoom meetings and then a physical visit this weekend with former Miami Hurricanes guard Divine Ugochukwu, the Spartans can officially put things to bed at the point guard spot.
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Ugochukwu made his commitment officially following his visit. The 6-foot-3, 190 pound guard from Sugarland, Texas, was a true freshman this past season with the Hurricanes. Now he will call East Lansing home.
Ugochukwu made his intentions known via On3 Sports, announcing his pledge to Coach Izzo and the Spartans.
It’s still Jeremy Fears’ team to lead, obviously, but bringing in Ugochukwu was a very smart move on Izzo’s part. Divine will get a chance to learn and grow alongside Fears. It also take some stress away from Fears, who until this move, looked like he was going to be the only true point guard on the roster.
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Ugochukwu has three years of eligibility left. He has a great opportunity to improve his all-around game at Michigan State. In his lone season at Miami, he averaged 5.3 points, 2.3 assists, 1.9 rebounds, and a steal per game. That came in 28 games played, along with making 16 starts for the Hurricanes.
Sure, his shooting percentages don’t stand out, as he was 36.2 percent from the field, and a measly 17 percent from three. Hey, the Spartans weren’t that great at shooting threes in 2024-25, so why not bring in a young guard who can certainly get better? He will have plenty of time to do that.
Doubt Izzo, all you want, but he’s brought in three guys in the portal who are more than ready to contribute.
