With only 4 teams remaining in the big dance, the unveiling of the NCAA champ for 2k25 is near! The question of who will get to sit on the throne remains a mystery—despite all the predictions. Tom Izzo’s Michigan State entered the Big Dance as one of the favorites, but the Johni Broome juggernaut ended their run in the Elite Eight. Now, things are only getting tougher for the Spartans. The transfer portal is open, and players are testing their value. One Spartan is already on his way out to see what he’s worth. These are tough times in East Lansing!

The transfer portal claims another one. Junior guard Tre Holloman is leaving Michigan State after their gut-wrenching Elite Eight loss. The Spartans’ captain, who averaged nearly 9 points and 4 assists, is looking for a fresh start. The match against Auburn was a night to forget for Tre Holloman. He struggled, going 0-10 from the field in the Spartans’ six-point loss to the Tigers. But he was quick to apologize to the whole team.

“I wish I could have showed up big for my team today,” Holloman said, sitting in front of his locker after the game. “I’m just sorry, man. I just felt like I let my team down. I’m proud of my guys for fighting the whole 40 minutes. We didn’t quit, we didn’t let up. I’m just proud of them for that, man. Everybody.”

Despite it all, Tre Holloman has decided it’s time to move on. Maybe the fan backlash played a role? Or maybe not. The reason isn’t clear, but it’s safe to say Tom Izzo won’t be thrilled. And why would he be? Remember what he said before their game against Auburn?

For Izzo, building a team for the next season was never a priority till his side was still dancing. “My old boss used to have a theory,” he explained. “He said the problem with young assistants is they spend so much time getting the next player they forget to take care of the ones they’ve got. And I think there’s some validity to that.” It’s a tough blow for a coach who’s always put his team first. But Izzo’s no emotional fool—he knows the transfer portal is part of today’s game. Now, he’s got to recruit and reload to keep the Spartans in the fight next season.

Tom Izzo gives his opinion on the transfer portal

Tom Izzo knows recruiting matters. But he doesn’t like the transfer portal. NIL deals and immediate eligibility have turned college basketball into what some call free agency. And the veteran coach gets it—either adapt to it or get left behind. But he also notes the risks. Bringing in talent is one thing. Building a team is another. It’s a new era, but Izzo’s old-school values aren’t fading.

“It’s all about money now,” Izzo said in an interview with Basketball Network. “And that’s okay, too. But I still believe there’s value in building a program where players grow together and develop over time.” We could tell from the way he comforted the players even after losing in the Elite Eight against the Tigers, “When I say this team gave me every single thing they had, I mean every single thing.” The efforts, the loyalty and unity were all he asked for from his young players.

Izzo has always valued development over chasing one-and-done stars. That’s what set the Spartans apart from blue bloods like Duke and Kentucky. But even he knows the game has changed. “You’ve got to have some of those talented one-and-done guys,” he admitted.

The question now is, who replaces Tre Holloman? Tom Izzo has his work cut out for him. He’ll be hoping to keep the rest of his squad intact and avoid any more portal surprises. The offseason drama is just getting started while the March Madness is nearing its closing. Stay tuned for more updates!