Tyson Walker return means it’s officially natty or bust for MSU in 2023-24

This upcoming season is officially national title or bust with Tyson Walker announcing his return on Monday.

On Monday afternoon, Tyson Walker announced via his Instagram that he would be returning to Michigan State basketball for his final year of eligibility. He averaged 14.8 points, 2.9 assists, and 1.1 steals in his 2022-23 season. He also shot a blistering 42 percent from three on nearly double the volume relative to his first season at MSU.

With AJ Hoggard back, as well as a likely return of Jaden Akins, MSU will boast one of the most talented, athletic, and experienced backcourts in both the Big Ten and the country. Not to mention they also add Jeremy Fears, a highly touted five-star scoring guard as part of their No. 3 ranked recruiting class.

I’ve spoken ad nauseum about how important an upperclassmen backcourt is to having a successful season. And with this news from Walker, MSU has officially entered “natty or bust” territory.

There are still some questions about MSU’s production in the frontcourt. But with an additional step forward from Mady Sissoko, Jaxon Kohler, and Carson Cooper, that position can still be serviceable. Not to mention Michigan State also adds a potential NBA lottery pick in Xavier Booker, who had a meteoric rise in his last two years of high school.

And even if MSU doesn’t have a sure-fire answer at the five again, its backcourt will be good enough that it might not matter. Also, the Big Ten is likely to take a step back at center with the departures of Hunter Dickinson, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and possibly Zach Edey.

This is Izzo’s best chance at a title since 2020 (*sigh*) and probably his most talented backcourt since 2013-14 with Keith Appling, Gary Harris, Travis Trice, and Denzel Valentine.

Let’s drink the Kool-Aid, buckle our seatbelts, and grab some popcorn for next season.