Michigan State basketball has finally found its missing piece in the paint – senior center Szymon Zapala. The 7-foot Polish native has been a revelation for Tom Izzo and the Spartans, showcasing his surprising upside over the past month.
In Friday’s 69-62 win over Ohio State, Zapala posted a season-high 15 points, including eight straight covering the final play of the first half and the start of the second. His emergence is a massive leap from last season at Utah State, where he averaged just 4.6 minutes per game.
Zapala’s addition has given Michigan State depth and versatility in the frontcourt positions, with big men combining for 43 points on 16-for-20 shooting inside the arc against the Buckeyes. Junior Jaxon Kohler, sophomore Xavier Booker, and freshman Coen Carr are also developing into valuable contributors, with Kohler leading the team in rebounds.
“I’m just focused on winning,” Zapala said after the game. “And today, that was my role, to take advantage of it from the roll and from the lobs.” Izzo credits Zapala for his ball-screen defense, which helped limit Buckeyes star Bruce Thornton to just 10 points on 3-for-9 shooting.
The development of top-tier high school recruits Kohler, Booker, and Carr was expected, but Zapala’s emergence has been a major surprise. “I didn’t see it at all,” Izzo said of Zapala’s upside. “Some guys have been surprises to me, too.” With his parents visiting since mid-December, Zapala has found new energy and motivation, posting six blocks with eight rebounds and five points in 18 minutes against Oakland on Dec. 17.
As the Spartans continue to roll, Izzo is thrilled to have Zapala as part of his team. “We always say that we have strength in numbers,” he said. “And I think it shows daily. Every game, there’s a lot of people who score.” With Zapala leading the charge, Michigan State is poised for a deep run in the postseason.
Source: https://eu.freep.com/story/sports/college/michigan-state/spartans/2025/01/04/szymon-zapala-michigan-state-basketball-ohio-state-tom-izzo-xavier-booker-coen-carr-jaxon-kohler/77451152007