HOLT — One of the most intriguing position battles for Michigan State basketball heading into the 2026-27 season is at center, where the Spartans will have to replace both Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler on the interior.
And while sophomore forward Cam Ward believes he is in for an enhanced role at the power forward spot, the battle between Charlotte transfer Anton Bonke and incoming freshman Ethan Taylor will continue throughout the summer, with both expected to get plenty of run for the Spartans this winter.
Both were looking forward to finally facing each other at the Moneyball Pro-Am on July 14, but the humidity outside left the court too slippery to play, canceling their matchup after just a few minutes. The two could see each other again in the Moneyball Pro-Am playoffs, but for now, both are focused on competing and hopefully helping lead the Spartans to the Final Four in Detroit.
“I’m just getting better and better as we’re stacking days,” Taylor said. “and “And it’s early, but I really feel like I’m going to blossom here and really skyrocket. Playing with motor, heart, and passion, and just having fun, that’s something they are really harping on me to do here. Just little things, not anything too crazy.”
Bonke, the 7-2 center, averaged 10.6 points and 8.3 rebounds last season with the 49ers while shooting an efficient 57 percent from the field, including 34% from the 3-point line.
Bonke tested the NBA draft process before deciding to come to East Lansing, and even had a team workout with the Milwaukee Bucks that included MSU teammate Jeremy Fears Jr. Now, he’ll be on the receiving end of plenty of passes from the NCAA’s leading assist man last season.
“I wanted to go to a program that had a chance to win and go to March Madness, that was a big reason for me to come here,” Bonke said. “I wanted to go out and see the level of competition I’d face. There’s a high probability of going to the NBA. And seeing what MSU has accomplished in the past, it would be dumb to not expect to go far and have that expectation.”
Taylor, a top 40 national recruit, committed to MSU coach Tom Izzo and the Spartans in mid-November last season after a visit in early October. Taylor played this past season at Link Academy in Missouri with fellow freshman Carlos Medlock Jr.
And while Taylor didn’t necessarily get the playing time he wanted this past season, Medlock has noticed the growth Taylor has made since arriving on campus.
“He’s taking steps forward. He didn’t get as much playing time as he needed, but he’s been working at it and working on his mental,” Medlock said. “He’s translating to Michigan State, and he’s been going hard, not showing that he’s tired, and always pushing forward no matter what.”
Contact Nathaniel Bott at nbott@lsj.com and follow him on X @Nathaniel_Bott
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: MSU basketball’s Bonke, Taylor working to fill void left by departed big men
Reporting by Nathaniel Bott, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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By Nathaniel Bott, Lansing State Journal | USA TODAY Network
