Two Top Transfer Portal Center Options Commit Elsewhere

Michigan State's search for a starting center in the transfer portal hits a snag as two key targets pledge to other schools.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:55pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the chaotic action of a college basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes in deep blues, greens, and oranges overlapping to create a sense of movement and energy on the court.The Spartans' search for a dominant transfer center hits a setback as two top targets commit elsewhere, forcing the team to pivot its recruiting strategy.Today in Detroit

Michigan State's search for a starting center in the transfer portal has hit a snag, as two top targets - Tomislav Buljan from New Mexico and Treyson Anderson from North Dakota State - have committed to play for Maryland and Butler, respectively, instead of the Spartans.

Why it matters

The Spartans were in need of a starting-caliber center to bolster their rotation and take them to the next level as a Final Four contender. Losing out on Buljan and Anderson narrows their options in the portal, putting more pressure on landing a high-profile transfer like Aiden Sherrell from Alabama or Samet Yigitoglu from SMU.

The details

Buljan, who averaged a double-double for New Mexico last season, and Anderson, who faced Michigan State in the NCAA Tournament with NDSU, were both rumored to be targets for the Spartans. However, Buljan committed to Maryland and Anderson signed with Butler, taking two potential options off the board for Michigan State.

  • On Saturday, April 11, 2026, Tomislav Buljan committed to Maryland.
  • Also on Saturday, April 11, 2026, Treyson Anderson committed to Butler.

The players

Tomislav Buljan

A transfer from New Mexico who averaged a double-double last season.

Treyson Anderson

A transfer from North Dakota State who faced Michigan State in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

Aiden Sherrell

An Alabama transfer who averaged 11.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game to help lead the Crimson Tide to the Sweet Sixteen.

Samet Yigitoglu

A 7-foot-2 center transfer from SMU who averaged 10.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.

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What’s next

Michigan State will now need to focus its efforts on landing a high-profile transfer center like Aiden Sherrell from Alabama or Samet Yigitoglu from SMU to fill their need in the middle.

The takeaway

The loss of Buljan and Anderson as potential transfer options leaves Michigan State with fewer choices in the portal to find a starting-caliber center. The Spartans will need to aggressively pursue top remaining targets like Sherrell and Yigitoglu to bolster their frontcourt and take the next step as a Final Four contender.