Tom Izzo is betting big on his 7-foot-2 transfer to anchor the Spartans’ interior, yet national analysts remain skeptical of the rim-protector's potential impact in East Lansing.
Apparently, 7-foot-2 isn't enough to get Anton Bonke noticed.
The Michigan State Spartans' new starting center was left off College Basketball Report's list of the Top 30 Centers in college basketball, despite eight Big Ten centers making the cut.
That's a pretty significant omission for a player stepping into one of the most important roles on Tom Izzo's roster.
Michigan State made just one move in the transfer portal this offseason, bringing Bonke to East Lansing from Charlotte to replace Carson Cooper. The 7-foot-2 center brings the size and physicality needed to make an immediate impact, particularly on the glass — an area Izzo has built into an identity for the Spartans.
Michigan State has even earned the nickname "Rebounding University" for its ability to control games through offensive and defensive rebounding.
So why isn't Bonke getting more national respect?
Michigan State Has Plenty of Faith in Bonke
One reason Michigan State didn't pursue more players in the transfer portal is because Izzo has built a program that places tremendous value on development and continuity.
Izzo understands the importance of the portal and has utilized it when the right opportunity presents itself, as evidenced by the additions of Bonke and Kaleb Glenn. Glenn will make his Michigan State debut this season after joining the Spartans last year but missing the entire season because of a season-ending injury before the year even began.
Still, Izzo continues to place significant value on developing his own players.
Michigan State's 2026 recruiting class was ranked inside the top 10 nationally, with all four incoming freshmen also landing inside the SC Next Top 100. Izzo is betting on that young talent not only to help the Spartans this season, but to build the foundation for sustained success in the years ahead.
That's something portal-heavy programs can sometimes struggle to accomplish.
Bonke will be an important part of that equation.
Not only will he be expected to take over at center, but he will also have an opportunity to help mentor incoming freshman center Ethan Taylor, who also stands 7-foot-2. Taylor possesses many of the skills necessary to eventually become a major contributor, but he still needs to add strength and physicality.
That could make Bonke's experience and presence especially valuable.
Eight Big Ten Centers Made the List
Despite Izzo's confidence in Bonke, it appears the national media isn't quite as sold on what the 7-foot-2 center can become in East Lansing.
College Basketball Report recently released its list of the Top 30 Centers in college basketball, and Bonke was nowhere to be found.
Even more interestingly, eight Big Ten centers made the list, including two players from the same team.
Here are the Big Ten players who made the cut:
- No. 5 — Nolan Winter, Wisconsin
- No. 9 — Pharrel Payne, Maryland
- No. 11 — Mo Thiam, Michigan
- No. 15 — Tomislav Ivisic, Illinois
- No. 21 — Zvonimir Ivisic, Illinois
- No. 25 — Andrew McKeever, Iowa
- No. 28 — Daniel Jacobsen, Purdue
- No. 30 — Ivan Juric, Penn State
Bonke, meanwhile, didn't make the top 30.
Perhaps that's understandable when looking strictly at past production. Bonke doesn't come into Michigan State with the eye-popping statistics some of these other players have accumulated at smaller programs.
But that's exactly what makes his situation so intriguing.
Bonke Has a Chance to Thrive at Michigan State
Bonke won't be asked to carry an offense at Michigan State.
He'll be playing alongside a roster loaded with talent that should force opposing defenses to focus their attention elsewhere.
Jeremy Fears Jr. has developed into a mastermind when it comes to finding teammates around the rim. Coen Carr has established himself as one of the most explosive dunkers in college basketball. Cam Ward brings a physical, aggressive presence that forces defenses to account for him.
And that's before accounting for the rest of Michigan State's talented roster.
With so many weapons demanding defensive attention, Bonke could find himself in an ideal situation.
He doesn't necessarily need to create his own offense.
He needs to run the floor, set screens, finish around the basket, dominate the glass and make teams pay when they leave him open.
At 7-foot-2, that's a pretty enticing proposition.
It's similar to what happened with Aday Mara at Michigan. And yes, Mara entered that situation as a better overall prospect than Bonke.
But the underlying potential is still worth considering.
Bonke has the size. He has the physical tools. He has talented teammates around him. And perhaps most importantly, he has Tom Izzo coaching him.
Being left off a preseason top-30 list doesn't mean Bonke will become one of the best centers in college basketball.
But if he takes advantage of the situation Michigan State has put him in, that omission could look pretty silly by the end of the season.
