Michigan State Basketball Shocks Fans with Unforgettable Moments in Moneyball Pro-Am Opener

Here are some of the notable takeaways, thoughts and highlights through social media posts related to the Spartans participating in the opening night of the Moneyball Pro-Am — courtesy of fans and media with boots on the ground in Holt, Mich.:

• The Michigan State Moneyball Pro-Am returned, offering an early look at the upcoming Spartans basketball season.
• Jesse McCulloch, a key big man, is recovering from a foot injury but aims to return to full activity in late July.
• Transfer Divine Ugochukwu impressed observers with his improved shooting.
• Fans also praised the performance of transfer Trey Fort, expected to start for Michigan State.
• Incoming freshman Cam Ward showcased his potential impact.

The buzz is back—Michigan State’s cherished summer hoop fest, the Moneyball Pro-Am, has resurrected for its 20th year, throwing open the curtain on what promises to be a captivating Spartans season ahead. It’s always a mixed bag at this juncture; glimpses of promise, whispers of setbacks, and moments that remind you why you’re glued to this team’s journey. Jesse McCulloch’s foot injury rehab is one storyline that’s got my attention—here’s hoping he’s ready to roll full throttle by late July because the Spartans need his presence down low. Then there’s Divine Ugochukwu, who’s been turning heads with a shooting stroke that seems sharper than ever, a relief for those skeptical about his range after last season’s struggles. Trey Fort, the savvy transfer from Samford, is another name generating chatter; fans are already buzzing about his potential starting role, which could be a game-changer. And I can’t overlook freshman Cam Ward, who looked every bit the impact player on opening night, signaling that he’s ready to step into the spotlight early. Between injury updates, new faces, and highlight dunks (looking at you, Coen Carr), this year’s Moneyball is shaping up to offer a tantalizing preview. Hang tight as we peel back the layers on what to expect from these Spartans in the months ahead. LEARN MOREA Michigan State basketball summer tradition is officially back.Jesse McCulloch — one of the Spartans’ key big men for this upcoming season — is in he midst of recovering from a stress fracture in his foot. He told Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press that he is expected to back to “full basketball activities” in late July.Another potential injured Spartan to monitor is incoming freshman small forward Jordan Scott. According to Solari, Scott was at Moneyball on Tuesday but was not dressed in uniform and spotted with a sleeve on his left calf but expects to be back playing next week. Scott told Solari it’s just a “precautionary move” after tweaking it recently.

Jesse McCulloch recovering from foot injury

McCulloch redshirted this past season and is expected to play some key minutes for the Spartans this upcoming season as either a reserve or potential starter at center.

Multiple fans in attendance on opening night posted on social media about Ugochukwu looking impressive, particularly his shot. This is a notable development as the Miami (FL) transfer shot only 17.6% from three-point range last season, with fans noting his shot as a concern as he joins the Spartans this upcoming season.

Incoming freshman also sits out opening night

The opening night on Tuesday included some interesting takeaways and notes, as we were updated a key injury status, got our first look at some new players and witnessed Coen Carr doing Coen Carr things at the rim.

New Spartans PG Divine Ugochukwu impresses

Ward is a player that some expect to have an instant impact on the Spartans this upcoming season. Here are some highlights from his opening night at Moneyball Pro-Am:Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.

First look at incoming freshman PF Cam Ward

The 20th annual Moneyball Pro-Am event tipped off on Tuesday night, with many Spartans once again taking place in this year’s event. This event annually provides fans and media some early insight to the upcoming season and helps set expectations for players and the team as a whole — keeping in mind you have to take any positives with a grain of salt, of course.

Positive reviews for MSU transfer SG Trey Fort

Here are a few of the Carr dunks I found circulating on social media from opening night:Moneyball Pro-Am always results in fun highlight plays (especially since defense is typically optional), so of course there was going to be at least one Carr massive dunk.

Coen Carr can still light up the gym

Highlights from Fort’s night can be seen below:You can see some of his highlights from the night in the video posted on social media below:

Like Ugochukwu, multiple fans had positive things to say about Fort’s opening night at Moneyball Pro-Am. The Samford transfer was one of the big gets for the Spartans this offseason and is expected to start for Michigan State this upcoming season.