Michigan State basketball has filled its final scholarship from within, awarding it to redshirt junior Jack Hoiberg, the program announced Tuesday. The move was made possible by Xavier Tillman’s decision to remain in the NBA Draft, and it puts MSU back at the 13-scholarship limit for next season.
“I knew with Xavier (Tillman) leaving, there was a spot open, but you never really know if there’s a chance or maybe what the coaches were thinking,” Hoiberg said in a press release. “I had spoken to Coach about it in the past, but again, you never really know. It was really cool when he told me.”
The son of Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg, Jack Hoiberg joined MSU as a walk-on out of Hinsdale (Illinois) Central in 2017. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound guard has appeared in 28 career games, totaling 59 minutes.
Jack Hoiberg registered his only career start when MSU traveled to Nebraska last February, a gesture from Tom Izzo to Fred Hoiberg, who have become friends in recent years. The younger Hoiberg turned in four points, two assists and a rebound in the Spartans’ 86-65 win over his dad’s team.
“This was not given, he earned this,” Izzo said in a press release. “He has been unbelievable since he came here. Jack didn’t just have this given to him. He has worked so hard and he deserves it.”
