The 6’7” wing is an important get for Coach Izzo after years of criticism for his work in the portal.
Former Omaha forward Frankie Fidler announced today that he is transferring to Michigan State ’s men’s basketball team.
Spartyyyyy let’s do itt!!! pic.twitter.com/7eB5Qb2f82
— Frankie Fidler (@FrankieFidler_) April 23, 2024
The headline on Fidler is his scoring. The incoming senior averaged more than 20 points a game in his junior year at Omaha. He shot 45% from the floor and 35.6% from three. His freshman year three point percentage of 42.9% shows that potentially with more selective shooting he could be even more efficient.
While Fidler will be going up against tougher competition in the Big Ten, his frame and overall motor means he brings more than just shooting.
The 6’7” wing brings much needed size. Michigan State’s current wings are Jaden Akins at 6’4” and Coen Carr at 6’5” (though Akins is predicted to spend more time as a pure shooting guard next year). That size allowed him to average 6.3 rebounds last year.
Tom Izzo has long been criticized for his (non) usage of the transfer portal. This is despite two of his best players over the last decade being transfers (Joey Hauser and Tyson Walker). While this commitment is not from a long (fan) desired center, Fidler may be the perfect fit for Izzo and his clear preference for recruiting out of high school.
Fidler has one year of eligibility and a clear role on next year’s team without really supplanting anyone. This should keep the pipeline open to bring in larger wings from the high school ranks and keep his pledge to develop his current players.
It will be an adjustment to do all that he did at Omaha at the Big Ten level, but the foundation and opportunity is there for a special transfer year.