MSU basketball reported transfer portal target commits to rival

One of the rumored Michigan State transfer portal targets committed to the Spartans' top rival this week.

Cincinnati transfer center Moustapha Thiam committed to Michigan, according to multiple reporters. Thiam visited Michigan earlier this week and that led to the Wolverines landing a commitment from one of the top centers left in the portal.

Thiam started all 65 games he played in his first two seasons at Cincinnati, averaging double-digits in scoring in both seasons. This past year, he averaged 12.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.

Michigan State reportedly showed interest in Thiam last week. When the Spartans landed a commitment from Charlotte transfer center Anton Bonke this week, it seemed clear they were no longer pursuing Thiam.

It's never good to see a rival land a highly rated transfer portal prospect, but this also may have simply been a situation where Michigan State preferred Bonke over Thiam. We will most likely never know, but it is apparent both Michigan and Michigan State will field strong teams again next season.

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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: MSU basketball reported transfer portal target commits to rival