Michigan State’s Izzo says a few players could have entered draft

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said “a bunch of guys” in collegebasketball are putting their names in the NBA draft.

“I think that’s the popular thing to do,” Izzo saidWednesday.

A few Spartans may join the trend, declaring themselves eligibleto at least be evaluated for the draft with an opportunity towithdrawal from it in June, he said.

“Jaden (Akins) could,” Izzo said. “ (A.J.) Hoggard and Tyson(Walker) could. Guys could put their names in and see where they’reat. That’s the next thing to deal with, and it seems to be morecommon now. We’ll find out in the next couple of weeks.”

If all three of the Spartans’ standout guards return, Izzo willhave a talented and experienced team that will get a boost from oneof the top recruiting classes that includes a pair of McDonald’sAll-America selections.

“We got something to celebrate,” Izzo said.

Recently, Walker and forward Malik Hall announced plans to comeback for a fifth season. Izzo said Hall had foot surgery afterbeing hobbled for much of last season.

Walker, Hoggard and Akins helped Izzo become the first coach toearn 25 straight bids to the NCAA Tournament this year. Izzoadvanced to his 15th Sweet 16, winning a record 16th March Madnessgame with a lower-seeded team before being eliminated by KansasState in overtime.

The Hall of Fame coach won the 2000 national championship andreached the Final Four for the eighth time in 2019.

Izzo seems set up to have a chance to add to both totals nextseason.

Five of his top six scorers are back — potentially at least —and a few reserves return along with highly-touted freshmen XavierBooker and Jeremy Fears.

“Pretty solid group coming back with a great group of recruitscoming in,” Izzo said. “There is a lot of optimism.”