In the world of college basketball, change is afoot for Michigan State as Tre Holloman plans to continue his college journey elsewhere, with Xavier Booker also setting the stage for a new chapter in his career. Holloman’s agent announced that the guard has entered the transfer portal and has notified Coach Tom Izzo of this decision. The program further confirmed that Booker and Gehrig Normand have joined him in entering the portal.
Meanwhile, Michigan guard Tre Donaldson is also set to leave his current team. Last season, Donaldson contributed significantly to the Wolverines’ success by averaging 11.1 points and 4.1 assists. Under the guidance of first-year coach Dusty May, the team clinched the Big Ten Tournament and advanced to the Sweet 16. Previously, Donaldson spent two years at Auburn.
For Michigan State, Holloman averaged 9.1 points and 3.7 assists during his junior year, helping them secure the Big Ten championship. Unfortunately, their season concluded following a loss to Auburn in the NCAA Tournament, where Holloman struggled, shooting 0-for-10 with two points. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 185 pounds, Holloman hails from Minneapolis and made notable strides during the season, scoring a personal best of 20 points in a victory over Michigan. His exceptional performance against Bryant in the NCAA Tournament showcased his sharpshooting abilities.
Xavier Booker was a highly-touted recruit for the Spartans but hasn’t quite met expectations thus far. As a sophomore, he averaged 4.7 points, down from 3.7 points as a freshman. Despite falling out of the rotation in recent games, his 6-foot-11, 240-pound frame and flashes of talent over two seasons make him an appealing prospect for other teams.
Elsewhere, Connecticut freshman forward Liam McNeeley announced his intentions to enter the NBA draft after averaging 14.5 points per game. Joining Holloman and Booker in the transfer portal is Gehrig Normand, who has had limited playing time, scoring eight points across 13 games as a redshirt freshman.
On the East Coast, St. John’s is seeing changes within its roster as well, with coach Rick Pitino actively engaging in replenishment efforts. The program, coming off its best season in decades, announced that Joson Sanon, a former Arizona State guard, and Bryce Hopkins, an ex-Providence forward, will be joining the Red Storm.
The new additions come as St. John’s braces for the departure of RJ Luis Jr., who is declaring for the NBA draft while maintaining eligibility. This plays out against the backdrop of losing other top scorers Kadary Richmond, Aaron Scott, and Deivon Smith. The quartet had significant roles in claiming two Big East championships and securing a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Freshman Joson Sanon arrives with impressive credentials, touted as a five-star prospect in high school, averting a promising scoring average of 11.9 points per game last season. Standing at 6-foot-5, Sanon demonstrated strong three-point shooting and production in crucial games, adding to the scoring capability that St. John’s will rely on.
Bryce Hopkins, known for his All-Big East status at Providence, brings experience despite recent injuries. He scored 15.8 points with 8.5 rebounds over 50 games, and despite setbacks, he offered impactful performances before further injuries. Hopkins is seen as an adept replacement for the essential role left vacant by RJ Luis Jr.
Rick Pitino, now 72 and a Hall of Fame coach, leads St. John’s with remarkable success this past season. The team achieved a 31-5 record, matched the school’s best in wins, and climbed to a top-five ranking in the AP poll—a feat not seen since 1991. They claimed first place in the Big East regular season after 40 years, alongside a tournament triumph and a notable NCAA Tournament win that broke a long-standing streak.