Michigan State HC Tom Izzo lands commitment from 7-foot-2 double-double threat

Michigan State Spartans and head coach Tom Izzo secured a commitment from 7-foot-2 center Anton Bonke on Wednesday afternoon.

Bonke, who previously played at Providence and Charlotte, is coming off a breakout 2025-26 campaign with the 49ers. In 25.6 minutes per game, he averaged 10.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks while committing just 2.2 fouls per contest. He also showed stretch potential for a big man, shooting 34.2% from three-point range and 57.6% from the free-throw line.

Before his rise at Charlotte, Bonke had a limited impact at Providence, appearing in 16 games with averages of 1.3 points and 1.2 rebounds. His rapid development is notable, especially considering he only began playing basketball at age 16. Originally from Port Vila, Vanuatu, he attended Eastern Arizona College before transferring to Providence.

Ranked between No. 108 and No. 139 overall in the portal and as high as the No. 13 center by recruiting services, Bonke drew interest from programs including Kansas, NC State, Cincinnati, Gonzaga, and Arkansas before committing to Michigan State following a campus visit.

At 270 pounds, Bonke becomes one of the largest players in program history and is expected to step directly into the starting center role vacated by Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler.

Bonke will now join incoming 7-foot-1 freshman Ethan Taylor and returning big man Jesse McCulloch. The Spartans are also set to return contributors such as Jeremy Fears Jr. (who is testing the NBA Draft process while maintaining eligibility), Coen Carr, and Kur Teng, alongside a 2026 recruiting class ranked No. 3 nationally.

Bonke’s commitment is Michigan State’s first portal addition this cycle, coming shortly after guard Divine Ugochukwu entered the transfer portal. The Spartans now have one scholarship remaining as Izzo continues rebuilding a roster built for a deep postseason push.

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