Frankie Fidler says he is “perfect for Michigan State basketball”
Get — Frankie Fidler thought he had decided where he wanted to transfer in the offseason. Then Michigan State called.
A visit to East Lansing this spring changed everything.
Fidler, one of the best wings in the portal this cycle, was excited when he toured Michigan State’s facilities. He saw the names of former Spartans who went on to play in the NBA on the walls. Above the stairs leading from the coaching staff office down to the practice gym hangs a collage of all the former Michigan State players who have won in the NBA.
Fidler wanted to end his college career on the highest level after spending his first three seasons at the University of Nebraska Omaha. He wanted to go to a place where he would have a real chance to compete for conference titles and advance deep into the NCAA Tournament.
“When you think of Michigan State, you think of all the championships they’ve won, the Final Fours, so this is really the highest level,” Fidler said on opening night of the Moneyball Pro-Am at Holt High School last month. “I wanted to challenge myself to play at such a big school and then play for someone like Coach (Tom) Izzo — not many people get the opportunity to play for someone like that.”
It also helped that Fidler’s mother, Sandy, also fell in love with East Lansing’s charm. That made the decision to choose Michigan State over Creighton and Nebraska – two schools within driving distance of his parents’ house – a little easier.
The Spartans filled a glaring need for a talented big wing player with Fidler’s signing. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound Fidler was the Mavericks’ star last season, averaging 20.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists. He thrives in transition, can create from the offensive end and finish despite physical contact. He’s also a solid defender, but another aspect of his game that could benefit Michigan State is his ability to get to the free throw line and capitalize on those opportunities, as he’s making 85.9% of his free throws in his career.
“One big thing I want to bring to the team is shooting from the wings and length on the perimeter,” Fidler said. “Being 6’7, defense and offense will serve us well as a team and I think we’ll step it up from last year. I’m going to show that what I did last year, I can do on the biggest stage.”
During his official visit, Fidler watched footage with some staff members that showed him how they thought he would fit into Michigan State’s offense.
“I thought it was a perfect fit,” Fidler said, “and that’s ultimately why I came here.”
Fidler is well aware of how rare the opportunity is for a senior to join Izzo’s team. Michigan State has traditionally not used the portal, even when restrictions were loosened a few seasons ago.
Fidler is the Spartans’ first transfer since Tyson Walker in 2021. Michigan State has also signed big Pole Szymon Zapala from Longwood.
“It was really an honor that they selected me for the transfer portal,” Fidler said. “I was very picky about the school and I wanted to see previous transfers and everything. So we went through everything and it was a perfect fit.”
Fidler moved to East Lansing at the end of May and has already begun getting to know his new teammates and coaches.
That part of the transition has been “easy,” he said. But he knows the competition, speed and physicality of Big Ten basketball will be a big jump from the Summit League. Still, Tre Holloman doesn’t think it will faze Fidler.
“Frankie is tough,” the Michigan State guard said. “Frankie can shoot, he can post, he can dribble, he’s got good size, so I think he’s going to be good for us. … When I saw him practice, I thought, ‘Oh, this man has a motor and he can shoot well.'”
Fidler alone won’t get the Spartans out of their slump after a disappointing season. But he will certainly help them.
“The winning culture is palpable here and that’s what Coach Izzo is all about. He wins,” Fidler said, “and that’s why this team wants to win championships this year.”
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