Six gritty East Lansing standouts head to Las Vegas to reignite Michigan State’s professional pipeline, fighting for roster spots and proving their versatile skill sets translate to the league.
With the NBA Summer League tipping off in less than a week, team rosters have officially been announced, and six former Michigan State Spartans will have an opportunity to impress as they continue battling for spots on NBA rosters or in the G League.
Michigan State has had a relatively lackluster imprint on the NBA in recent years, with fewer former Spartans finding long-term success at the professional level. Not only have fewer players reached the league, but even fewer have been able to carve out consistent roles once they got there.
The Spartans have also fallen off from the days when Final Four appearances felt like an annual expectation. Michigan State's last trip came during the 2018-19 season, and with less team success in East Lansing over the past several years, many talented players have struggled to earn the national recognition they once did. Despite having the talent to compete professionally, several former Spartans have found it difficult to crack NBA rotations.
Now, the latest two Michigan State graduates will get their first opportunity to showcase their talents on the NBA stage, joining four other former Spartans looking to continue their professional basketball journeys.
Jaxon Kohler – Utah Jazz
The Jazz may not have selected Kohler in the NBA Draft, but they're giving him an opportunity to show everyone around the league exactly what the "Kohler Bear" can do.
Spartan fans across the country are sad to see Kohler leave the Green and White after developing into one of Michigan State's most dependable players over his four-year career. His toughness, rebounding ability and relentless motor made him a fan favorite, and now he'll have the chance to prove those same qualities translate to the next level.
Carson Cooper – Memphis Grizzlies
The other newest Spartan getting his shot in the Summer League is the towering Carson Cooper.
Cooper truly came into his own during his senior season. Once he was given the starting role, he flourished by becoming a consistent lob threat, dependable rebounder and defensive presence in the paint. His offensive game also took a noticeable step forward, as his shooting improved immensely during his final season and even led the Spartans in scoring multiple times throughout the year.
Now he'll look to carry that momentum into Memphis.
Jaden Akins – New York Knicks
Akins went undrafted in 2025 but still earned an opportunity with the Orlando Magic's Summer League team. He later joined Detroit's G League affiliate, where he appeared in 14 games and averaged 16.1 points per game.
Akins also signed with the Detroit Pistons on Oct. 11 before being waived just two days later on Oct. 13. Now, he'll join the defending champion New York Knicks for Summer League as he looks to earn another opportunity to make an NBA roster.
Jase Richardson – Orlando Magic
Jase Richardson was the only former Spartan on a team that reached the NBA Playoffs last season, although he never saw game action, eliminating any chance for a Michigan State alum to score a postseason basket.
Richardson enters the Summer League as one of its most intriguing young players and will look to explode out of the gate. A strong showing could go a long way toward earning consistent playing time with Orlando heading into the regular season.
Tre Holloman – Orlando Magic
Joining Richardson in Orlando is fellow former Spartan Tre Holloman.
The former Michigan State teammates will reunite once again, only this time wearing Magic uniforms instead of Green and White. Holloman was always incredibly shifty with the Spartans and consistently made winning plays on both ends of the floor. He'll need to continue showcasing that versatility if he hopes to earn valuable minutes throughout Summer League play.
Frankie Fidler – Portland Trail Blazers
Lastly, Frankie Fidler will suit up for the Portland Trail Blazers during the NBA Summer League.
Fidler spent the 2024-25 season at Michigan State, appearing in all 37 games while making seven starts. He averaged 7.0 points and 3.3 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per game while providing valuable depth and experience for Tom Izzo's squad.
Like the rest of the former Spartans competing this summer, Fidler will be looking to prove he belongs at the professional level.
The Spartans will look to make a stronger impact on the NBA once again, especially with Michigan State's current roster featuring several players who project as future NBA Draft picks. However, it's these former Spartans who are trying to carve out their own paths that could help reopen the pipeline from East Lansing to the NBA.
Make sure to tune into the NBA Summer League and watch your favorite Spartans take the court as they continue chasing their NBA dreams.
