Michigan State Pursuing Sharpshooting Wing in Transfer Portal

After a disappointing 2023-24 season, Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo may be changing his approach to acquiring players out of the transfer portal...

After Michigan State men's basketball's 2023-24 season came to a disappointing end with a loss to North Carolina in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, head coach Tom Izzo told reporters he would figure out a way to make deeper runs in March going forward, "or die trying".

It appears Izzo and his program may be taking steps towards that goal already this offseason.

On Thursday, 24/7 High School Hoops reported that Michigan State is one of 16 schools who has reached out to Colorado transfer wing J'Vonne Hadley, a sharpshooter who averaged 41.7% on 3-point attempts during this past season. Other notable programs who may be in pursuit of Hadley include UCLA, Iowa State, Michigan, BYU, Texas A&M and several others.

Mar 24, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard J'Vonne Hadley (1) reacts after scoring against the Marquette Golden Eagles during the first half at Gainbridge FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

In the past, Izzo has been reluctant to use the transfer portal to suppliment his rosters at Michigan State, citing concerns over disrupting the culture in East Lansing. The Spartans have used the portal sparingly as a result, though two of MSU's biggest contributors over the past two seasons — Tyson Walker and Joey Hauser — were both transfer additions.

It remains to be seen how much Izzo will lean into the transfer portal this offseason, but the fact Michigan State has reached out to Hadley at least shows a willingness to inquire. Hadley averaged 11.6 points, six rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game for Colorado last season.

Hadley has a couple of interesting ties to Michigan State, which could aid Izzo and the Spartans should they go all in on pursuing the 6-foot-6, 210-pounder. Hadley played one season with Walker at Northeastern in 2020-21, before each transferred to a Power 5 school. Furthermore, Hadley is a Minnesota native who played one season of high school basketball and a season AAU ball with current Michigan State rising junior Tre Holloman. Again, if MSU decides to put on a fullcourt press in pursuit of Hadley, those prior relationships with Spartan players could be a determining factor.

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