CENTER SEARCH: MSU basketball NEEDS to SNAG Anton Bonke before it’s too late; MSU football
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Michigan State basketball is in a race against time to land Anton Bonk, a 7'2" center from Vanuatu who’s touring top programs including Kansas, Cincinnati, and South Carolina. With key big men like Carson Cooper and Jackson Kohler gone, MSU’s frontcourt is a glaring weakness, and Bonk represents the most promising immediate upgrade—offensively efficient at the rim, a strong rebounder, and capable of playing 30+ minutes per game. Yet his rawness, defensive limitations, and late start in basketball raise concerns. The podcast argues that MSU must act fast before Bonk commits elsewhere, especially as the transfer portal market has inflated the value of elite centers. Meanwhile, the show dives into football, where Pat Fitzgerald’s spring showcase format signals a focus on player development and safety, while Max Bola’s 13-year-old suspension is framed not as a blue wall overreach but as a legitimate media question. The episode also explores the ripple effects of Michigan’s national title—sparking a national renaissance of big men, which has made the transfer market hotter and more competitive for MSU. Finally, the podcast dismisses the idea of Trey Holloman’s return, citing roster depth and Izzo’s loyalty to current players over past departures.
MSU must secure Anton Bonk before he commits to another program, as he’s the most impactful immediate upgrade for their depleted frontcourt.
Bonk’s 7'2" frame, 68.2% rim finish rate, and 29+ minute per game durability make him a rare fit for a starting center at MSU.
The national shift toward big men, fueled by Michigan’s title run, has inflated portal center values—making Bonk’s recruitment more urgent.
Pat Fitzgerald’s spring showcase will feature controlled scrimmages with fluid team assignments, prioritizing safety and player development.
Max Bola’s 13-year-old suspension was a fair media question, and the podcast defends the reporter’s right to ask tough questions.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Intro & Club Promo
Matt Sheena introduces the Locked On Spartans podcast and promotes the Everydayer Club, an ad-free listening experience with exclusive Discord access for fans.
The Race for Anton Bonk
“You need to get him at this point. Names are not just popping up and hanging around here. Like, you got to get in while the getting's good here.”
Bonk’s Profile & Fit
A detailed breakdown of Bonk’s stats, including 68.2% rim finish rate, 34% three-point shooting, and elite rebounding, alongside concerns about his defensive development and late start in basketball.
The Bigger Picture: Portal Market Shift
“In an offseason where Michigan State is just one good big man away, well, of course now the whole country has woken up and realized, oh yeah, we need seven-foot tall people too.”
Football: Fitzgerald & Spring Showcase
Pat Fitzgerald discusses the upcoming spring showcase, emphasizing player safety, fluid team assignments, and standout performers like Cade Kaufman and Deion Crawford.
“In an offseason where Michigan State is just one good big man away, well, of course now the whole country has woken up and realized, oh yeah, we need seven -foot tall people”
“You need to get him at this point. Names are not just popping up and hanging around here. Like, you got to get in while the getting's good here.”
“The ship has sailed. So even in a hypothetical world, should this happen? I don't think it would happen.”
Host
Matt Sheena
person
Michigan State Spartans
organization
Anton Bonk
person
Pat Fitzgerald
person
Michigan Wolverines
organization
Max Bola
person
Carson Cooper
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ESPN
organization
Vanuatu
place
Indeed Sponsored Jobs
organization
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