MSU basketball reportedly in mix for new highly-coveted transfer portal center

TL;DR

Michigan State is reportedly pursuing Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam, a highly sought-after center. Thiam, who stands 7-foot-2, averaged 12.8 points and 7.1 rebounds last season, with interest from several top programs.

There is another high-level transfer portal center that Michigan State has been linked to on Monday.

Jeff Goodman, a college basketball insider for The Field of 68 / On3, reported a list of schools that are in the mix for Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam, with Michigan State included. Other schools mentioned by Goodman includes St. John's, UConn, Gonzaga, Arkansas, Duke, Kansas, Texas A&M, Tennessee and UCF.

Thiam has started all 65 games he's played in his first two seasons at Cincinnati, averaging double-digits in scoring in both seasons. This past year, he averaged 12.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.

Thiam is listed at 7-foot-2 and can clearly make an impact on both ends of the floor -- hence why so many big-name programs are in pursuit of his talents in the portal. Michigan State has been linked to a number of center prospects, but this was the first time Thiam had been connected to the Spartans. This could be a player we monitor more and more, especially as we anticipate a decision looming from fellow portal target Alabama transfer Aiden Sherrell. If the Spartans are unable to land Sherrell, then I would anticipate they go all-in on someone like Thiam.

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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: MSU basketball reportedly in mix for Cincinnati transfer C Moustapha Thiam

Q&A

What are Moustapha Thiam's average stats from his time at Cincinnati?

Moustapha Thiam averaged 12.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game during his last season at Cincinnati.

Which schools are competing for Moustapha Thiam in the transfer portal?

Moustapha Thiam is being pursued by several schools, including Michigan State, St. John's, UConn, Gonzaga, Arkansas, Duke, Kansas, Texas A&M, Tennessee, and UCF.

How does Moustapha Thiam's height impact his potential in college basketball?

At 7-foot-2, Moustapha Thiam has the potential to make a significant impact on both offense and defense, making him a highly coveted prospect in the transfer portal.