Moneyball Pro‑Am 2026 Showcases MSU Center Battle

MSU’s Center Battle Heats Up

The Spartans face a crucial void at center after losing Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler, and the competition between Charlotte transfer Anton Bonke and incoming freshman Ethan Taylor is already visible. Both players were eager to square off on July 14 at the Moneyball Pro‑Am, but humid conditions turned the court too slippery, cutting the matchup after just a few minutes. The two will likely meet again in the league’s playoffs, but for now they’re focused on earning minutes for a Final Four run in Detroit. Coach Tom Izzo’s summer looks like a proving ground for this class of big men.

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Bonke Brings Experience and Efficiency

Anton Bonke, a 7‑2 center, posted 10.6 points and 8.3 rebounds last season while shooting 57 % from the field, including a respectable 34 % from deep. After testing the NBA draft pipeline, Bonke chose East Lansing, even working out with the Milwaukee Bucks alongside teammate Jeremy Fears Jr. “I wanted to go to a program that had a chance to win and go to March Madness,” Bonke said, emphasizing his belief that MSU can advance deep into the tournament. His ability to post up, hit mid‑range jumpers, and protect the rim makes him a strong candidate to fill the interior void.

His work ethic and confidence on the pick‑and‑roll should pair well with Jeremy Fears, the NCAA’s leading assist man from a season ago. Bonke’s blend of size and shooting could make him a staple in Izzo’s rotation if the Spartans aim to stay competitive in the ACC‑heavy schedule.

Taylor Arrives with Upside

Ethan Taylor, a top‑40 national recruit, committed to Michigan State in mid‑November after an October campus visit. He spent the previous season at Link Academy in Missouri alongside freshman Carlos Medlock Jr., sharpening his game under new coaching staff. “I’m just getting better and better as we’re stacking days,” Taylor said, noting his rapid growth and passion for playing with heart. Although he didn’t receive the minutes he wanted last year, teammates like Medlock have seen him push forward mentally and physically.

Taylor’s upside lies in his length and shooting touch, traits that could complement Bonke’s more experienced skill set. If the Spartans can get both freshmen comfortable early, the frontcourt depth could shock opponents in the NCAA tournament. The summer league, despite a soggy start, serves as a critical laboratory for these two to prove they can handle the pace and physicality of college basketball.

Why the Moneyball Pro‑Am Matters

The Moneyball Pro‑Am isn’t just a showcase; it’s a testing ground where college programs evaluate incoming talent and existing veterans against professional‑caliber competition. The league’s format forces players to adapt quickly to different defensive schemes and high‑tempo attacks. For MSU, the event provides a live look at how Bonke and Taylor will perform under pressure, informing Izzo’s rotation decisions before November arrives. Even with a canceled game due to humidity, the event delivered visual evidence of progress for both sides.

Looking Ahead to Detroit

Both Bonke and Taylor expressed confidence that the center battle will be resolved by the time the season starts, with the pair aiming to lead the Spartans to a Final Four appearance in Detroit. Cam Ward’s upgraded role at power forward adds another layer of versatile scoring that could stretch defenses. As the summer progresses, the depth and skill of this group will likely determine whether MSU can climb out of the shadow of recent setbacks. Fans can expect the center competition to be a story line throughout the 2026‑27 campaign.