Michigan State basketball lands center Szymon Zapala from transfer portal

Michigan State went back to the transfer portal for the second time in three weeks. This time, the Spartans went fishing for a big who can add size and depth to their weakened frontcourt.

On Tuesday, Michigan State reeled in a big addition — literally — receiving a commitment from former Longwood center Szymon Zapala. 

The 7-foot Zapala will take up the Spartans’ final scholarship spot for next season. He’ll essentially fill the void left by Mady Sissoko, who transferred to Cal last month. 

Last season, Zapala posted 9.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in 35 games in his lone season at Longwood, including 23 starts. He averaged 16.7 minutes per game and shot 62.9% from the field while helping Longwood win the Big South conference tournament and earn an NCAA Tournament berth. The Lancers ultimately fell in the Round of 64 to Houston.

Before that, Zapala spent three seasons at Utah State, appearing in 45 games.

Made up of 240 pounds of muscle and kielbasa, Zapala’s sizable frame helps him plow through defenders and corral rebounds. He’s a decent interior defender and has displayed good touch around the basket. While he’s improved as a free throw shooter over his four college seasons, his 65.5% clip at the charity stripe last season likely won’t cut it for Tom Izzo.  

Still, Zapala was a good get in the portal for the Spartans, who needed an extra layer of insurance for their frontcourt that generally lacks size. The next tallest players behind Zapala are Xavier Booker and Carson Cooper, who measure at 6-foot-11. No other Michigan State returner stands taller than 6-9 with shoes on. 

Even with Zapala going to be folded into the center rotation next season, Michigan State no doubt remains confident in Cooper and Jaxon Kohler. Booker is also expected to take on a larger role in 2024-25 after his playing time fluctuated his freshman season.

Michigan State is also anticipating the arrival of 6-10 forward Jesse McCulloch, a three-star incoming freshman from Cleveland.

Zapala is the Spartans' second addition via the transfer portal this offseason, joining wing Frankie Fidler, who transferred from Omaha.

Fidler was Michigan State’s first portal pickup since Tyson Walker transferred to the Spartans from Northeastern ahead of the 2021-22 season. Walker went on to lead Michigan State to a Sweet 16 appearance in 2023 and led the team in scoring the last two seasons. 

Fidler has high-level, two-way abilities and offers length that the Spartans have been lacking on the perimeter in recent seasons. He should bolster Michigan State’s efforts on the glass in the new season. 

He’ll likely start immediately this season alongside 6-4 guard Jaden Akins. With A.J. Hoggard gone, Jeremy Fears Jr. is expected to take over the starting point guard role. Combo guard Tre Holloman could also be in the mix to be the team’s lead ball-handler. 

The Spartans are also welcoming a pair of top-50 prospects in guards Jase Richardson and Kur Teng. 

With Zapala's commitment, Michigan State's roster is set for the upcoming season. The Spartans aren't as trendy of way-too-early Final Four pick as they were at this point last season. But people should know better by now than to doubt a Michigan State team led by Izzo.

mkenney@detroitnews.com

@madkenney