Marcus Bingham Jr. makes decision regarding final year of eligibility

After four seasons in East Lansing, Marcus Bingham Jr. is leaving Michigan State to pursue a pro career, entering his name in the 2022 NBA Draft. The 7-foot center penned an emotional farewell to the Michigan State family on Instagram Thursday afternoon.

“Michigan State has been my home for four years. It has been a place that has helped me to grow, not only as a player, but as a student and a person,” Bingham Jr. wrote. “I’ve made memories with friends and family that I’ll never forget. Thanks for giving me a chance to be a part of history and an opportunity to play basketball in front of the best fans in the country. I knew coming here would challenge me and it has, but I’m proud of the work I’ve put in here, not only the basketball court and in the weight room, but in the classroom as well.”

The Grand Rapids, Michigan native averaged 9.3 points per game this season, playing just 18.7 minutes per game despite starting 32 of the Spartans’ 35 games for head coach Tom Izzo.

“I will always bleed Green and White … thank you SPARTAN NATION for your endless support. This place will always hold a spot in my heart,” he wrote.

Report: Xavier Pinson in contact with Michigan State, Kentucky

Former LSU starting point guard Xavier Pinson has heard back from multiple Power Five teams since putting his name in the transfer portal days after LSU’s first round NCAA Tournament exit on top of firing head coach Will Wade. Kentucky and Michigan State are at the top of his list, according to reports. 

Pinson announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal on Thursday with a post on Instagram with the caption, “I will still be considering this university as my main priority. In the process, I will be seeking for a program who has the best plan in store for me & to raise my daughter. To the coaching staff, players, the fans, everyone involved in the many ups and downs here at LSU. Thank you guys so everything!”

While Pinson did say a return to LSU is on the table, KSR reported that on Thursday night, Kentucky reached out to Pinson about potentially transferring into the program. One year ago, news broke that Pinson, a then Missouri transfer, had been contacted by Kentucky about the same thing. Could John Calipari close in on an SEC veteran to lead the Wildcats alongside Sahvir Wheeler next season? 

For Michigan State, leading scorer (11.6 points per game) and senior forward Gabe Brown chose to bypass his final year of eligibility to turn pro. Tyson Walker, AJ Hoggard, Max Christie and Jaden Akins dominated the guard rotation minutes-wise last season and are all poised to return to East Lansing for another season. Pinson should still find himself among the top of the rotation regardless of Izzo’s roster next season.