News Summary
Michigan State University has welcomed transfer point guard Divine Ugochukwu from the University of Miami. The 6-foot-3 player has three years of eligibility remaining and is expected to take on a significant role as a secondary ballhandler in the upcoming season. His addition follows the departures of key guards from the Spartans’ roster. Ugochukwu showcased promise during his freshman year, averaging 5.3 points and 2.3 assists per game, and his presence aims to bolster the team’s backcourt depth.
East Lansing, Michigan – Michigan State University has secured the commitment of transfer point guard Divine Ugochukwu from the University of Miami. The announcement was made via Ugochukwu’s Instagram on May 18, and he is expected to play a significant role as a secondary ballhandler in the Spartans’ upcoming season.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 190 pounds, Ugochukwu hails from Sugar Land, Texas, and has three years of eligibility remaining, matching that of the returning starting point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. Ugochukwu is the third transfer acquisition for Michigan State during this offseason, further bolstering their roster.
During his freshman season at Miami, Ugochukwu averaged 5.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists over 28 games, with 16 of those being starts. He played an average of 20.2 minutes per game after stepping into a starting role due to an injury to teammate Nijel Pack. His performance showcased his potential, highlighted by a notable game against Duke where he recorded six points, ten rebounds, and four assists.
Ugochukwu’s shooting statistics from his freshman season include a field goal percentage of 36.2% and a meager 17.4% from beyond the arc, going 4-for-23 on three-point attempts. Despite the challenges, he demonstrated promise, making a significant contribution during critical matchups.
The Spartans’ decision to bring Ugochukwu on board comes in the wake of significant departures from their roster. Key guards Tre Holloman and Jase Richardson have left the program; Holloman transferred to North Carolina State while Richardson declared for the NBA draft after just one season at Michigan State. This has created a notable gap in the team’s backcourt that Ugochukwu is expected to help fill.
In addition to Ugochukwu, Michigan State has welcomed shooting guard Trey Fort, who previously played at Samford, Mississippi State, and Tennessee Martin, as well as wing Kaleb Glenn, who transferred from Florida Atlantic to Louisville before joining the Spartans. This influx of new talent is aimed at revitalizing the team as they navigate the offseason.
Fears Jr., a standout player for the Spartans, averaged 7.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 1.1 steals during his freshman year, though his season was hampered by injury following an incident that left him shot in the leg in December 2023. As he rebounds for his sophomore campaign, increased playing time is anticipated due to the absence of other key players. With the departure of Holloman and Richardson, Michigan State faces a potential loss of nearly 82% of their made three-pointers and 83% of their attempts from long range, underlining the critical need for Ugochukwu’s presence and depth at the point guard position.
Ugochukwu’s arrival is more than a simple addition; it is a strategic move to ensure the Spartans remain competitive in the Big Ten Conference. By addressing their need for a reliable backup point guard, Michigan State is positioning itself for a promising season ahead.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press
- Spartan Wire
- Detroit News
- Lansing State Journal
- Wikipedia: Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball
