Michigan State basketball: Gehrig Normand enters transfer portal

After the recent news coming out of the Michigan State basketball world with Tre Holloman entering the transfer portal, redshirt freshman forward Gehrig Normand entered the portal mere minutes afterwards as well.

The former four-star recruit in the 2023 class surprised no one, compared to the news earlier today, when he announced his intentions. In his first season at Michigan State, Normand was redshirted. This year, though, in his limited action Normand did provide something to the Spartans on the floor.

Through all 12 games Normand saw mere minutes on the court during garbage time. The former four-star averaged 0.6 points per game shooting 37.5% from the field, and 33.3% from 3-point land.

You could see a big-time comparison to former Spartan Pierre Brooks, who entered the portal after his sophomore season, and ended up at Butler. As an immediate starter, Brooks averaged 14.8 points, shooting 45.6% from the field, and over 40 percent from 3-point land as well.

A player’s ability to excel at the college level isn’t always relied upon their talent. More often then not, when an athlete fails to live up to expectations at one school, and dominates at another, its a systematic issue, not a talent one.

With Michigan State’s vast depth this past season, playing up to 10-11 guys per game, Normand could not find his own space on the team. And with many players returning, it seemed like only a matter of time before the redshirt freshman tested the waters to potentially find his new home.

No schools have been listed yet in his recruitment, but do not be surprised when many come calling. Normand’s calling card has always been his shooting ability, and playing next to a create-first guard, Normand’s ceiling could be through the roof.

Currently standing at 6-foot-5, 190 pounds, with a full summer of work and a program built for all his needs, Normand himself could replicate former Spartans success elsewhere. And do not rule out the kid from returning either, nothing is ever certain in today’s world with the portal.