Tyson Walker knew right after Kansas State loss that he was coming back

Tyson Walker is a key piece in Michigan State’s 2023-24 national title puzzle and he knew all along that he’d be back.

As the final buzzer sounded on Michigan State’s 2022-23 season in the Sweet 16, just one made three away from knocking off No. 3 seed Kansas State, Tyson Walker left the floor heartbroken.

The senior guard had a chance to hit the clutch shot to send the game to another overtime, but a fumbled exchange denied that and he watched as Kansas State went the other way to seal the win. The Spartans were that close to making the most winnable Elite Eight in recent memory.

Following the loss, Walker knew he had a big decision to make about his future. Would he try his luck in the NBA draft or return for one final run with his teammates? It was the million-dollar question on everyone’s minds this offseason. But Walker knew all along what he was planning on doing. He knew he was coming back for one last ride.

He said as much at Big Ten Media Days on Tuesday.

Tyson Walker after the lost to Kansas State said he instantly knew he wanted to return to Michigan State for his final season.

On his decision to come back he said, “I just wanted to do more. I want to be remembered a little more. I feel like I haven’t done enough. I got some… pic.twitter.com/e1ZPO3aQVr

— Michigan State Content (@msucontent) October 10, 2023

“I just wanted to do more.”

That’s the most Tyson Walker quote of all time. He is so competitive that he couldn’t let a loss like the Kansas State one where Michigan State probably should’ve won end his college career. He wants to come back and end on a high note and even said that he has some lofty goals.

There’s a reason Walker is such a fan favorite in East Lansing. He’s beloved by all MSU fans because of his competitiveness and will to win. The old cliche is that he “hates losing more than he likes winning” and that’s absolutely true here.

Walker is a preseason All-Big Ten selection and one of the best players in America. He wants to be remembered for being an MSU legend.