The former Spartan fan favorite hints at a potential East Lansing reunion as the NCAA’s evolving eligibility rules and NIL landscape reshape the future of Tom Izzo’s roster.
It’s been an odd time lately, with mixed emotions taking over for Spartan basketball fans.
Even though the NCAA implemented a new 5-in-5 rule allowing collegiate athletes to participate in five years of college sports, which goes into effect this year, there’s always going to be a battle to squeeze out as much collegiate eligibility as possible.
That’s especially true now with the rise of NIL money, giving student-athletes the opportunity to make life-changing income while still in college instead of rushing to the professional ranks. That’s particularly the case in basketball, where there are hundreds of Division I programs but only 30 NBA teams with extremely limited roster spots. The odds of making the NBA are incredibly slim, so it’s no surprise many players would rather spend one more year with their college team, earn NIL money, and continue developing before entering the real world.
We’ve already learned that Michigan State alum Jaxon Kohler has his name on a list of players fighting for a fifth year of eligibility after being part of the 2022 recruiting class, the final class that was originally granted only four years of collegiate eligibility. To many, that seems unfair.
As Kohler battles to be reinstated after finishing NBA Summer League with the Utah Jazz, reports have surfaced that he could be in serious discussions with BYU if that fifth year is granted. That likely stems from Michigan State already having a loaded roster, particularly in the frontcourt, with two incoming freshmen ranked in the SC Next Top 100, transfer addition Anton Bonke, and the return of last year's transfer addition, Kaleb Glenn.
Could Tom Izzo make room on the roster to bring Kohler back for one season? Probably. But it doesn’t appear that’s the direction he wants to go.
The same question can now be asked following a new report involving Tre Holloman.
Holloman, along with fellow Michigan State alum Carson Cooper—whose name did not appear on the injunction list despite also originally having only four years of eligibility—was spotted at the Lansing MoneyBall Pro-Am Series at Holt High School.
That’s where Spartans Avenue's Connor Muldowney caught up with Holloman and spoke with the former Spartan.
If you don’t remember, Holloman was expected to be one of Michigan State’s key leaders heading into last season and looked poised to help the Spartans make another deep NCAA Tournament run. Two years ago, after Michigan State’s Elite Eight loss to Auburn, Holloman was visibly emotional. It looked like he would do everything he could to return and take the Spartans even further.
He had so much green and white running through him that he even chased two Michigan players off the Spartan logo before Michigan State continued its tradition of kissing the logo after games.
Then, in a complete shocker, Holloman announced he was entering the transfer portal out of nowhere.
He eventually committed to NC State for last season. The Wolfpack ultimately lost in the NCAA Tournament First Four, while the Spartans—who spent much of the season trying to fill a Tre Holloman-sized hole in the starting lineup and searching for consistency at the two-guard position—advanced to the Sweet 16 before being eliminated.
When Holloman was asked about his departure and whether he would do anything differently if given another chance, his response was simple: "No comment."
In many ways, that answer said enough on its own.
Since then, Holloman has joined fellow Michigan State alum Jase Richardson in the NBA Summer League in Orlando. However, his opportunities were limited, appearing in just one game for five minutes while scoring one basket.
Now, Holloman is back in Lansing awaiting his next opportunity while also pursuing a fifth year of collegiate eligibility.
As mentioned before, Michigan State already has a full and talented roster. Removing one of the current 15 players to make room for Holloman may seem like a step backward from a roster-building standpoint.
Still, when asked about the possibility of returning to East Lansing, Holloman didn't hesitate with his answer.
"I wouldn't mind coming back."
