Xavier Booker entering NCAA transfer portal unintentionally makes Tom Izzo's powerful statement about Spartans backfire

The Michigan State Spartans ended their season in heartbreak after their 70-64 defeat against the Auburn Tigers during the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight round. Shortly after, a wave of departures filled the program, including Xavier Booker’s announcement that he’ll enter the transfer portal. The news of these key absences unintentionally brought Tom Izzo’s recent statement back to the spotlight.

Izzo couldn’t guide the Spartans to the Final Four, as a catastrophic start to their matchup with the Tigers cost them dearly. Against a star-studded roster like Auburn’s, those errors became a burden, and Michigan State dug itself a hole too deep to climb out of.

Following the Spartans’ elimination, the program extended its Final Four drought, as the last time they made it to the NCAA Tournament National Semifinal was during the 2018-19 college basketball season. Their championship drought extended even further, with Izzo’s team last going all the way in the 1999-2000 campaign.

The Spartans had a good run, but it came up short against one of the best teams in college basketball. However, Izzo is proud of his team, though recent departures like Brooke’s decision to enter the transfer portal have unintentionally made the coach’s comments backfire.

Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts against the Auburn Tigers during the second half in the South Regional Elite Eight round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at State Farm Arena on March 30, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

“Overall, this was the most unbelievable year I’ve had, the most connected year I’ve had,” Izzo stated after Michigan State’s elimination, via CBS Sports. “I just appreaciate what these guys did for myself and the program.”

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Life lesson

While it wasn’t the ending Izzo or the Spartans envisioned, it’s not worth crying over spilled milk and the program must focus on what’s next, though for many players their next chapter won’t be in East Lansing.

“Unfortunately, your last game wears with you,” Izzo added. “But if it does, I am asking these guys: do something about it in your life.”

Key departures

Along with Booker’s leave, the Spartans have also witnessed the departures of junior guard Tre Holloman and redshirt freshman Gehrig Normand, who have entered the portal, in search for a new home during the 2025-26 season.