One of the more interesting tidbits to come from Tom Izzo’s end-of-the-year press conference on Wednesday was a confirmation that he and sophomore reserve shooting guard Maurice Joseph had discussed a possible transfer from the Michigan State program.

Based on Izzo’s comments, this doesn’t seem to be a case of the Spartans’ head coach wanting Joseph out, but rather, a realistic look at where Joseph would fit in next season’s lineup.

With four freshman guards coming in – Kalin Lucas, Durrell Summers, Chris Allen and walk-on Austin Thornton – Joseph will have more competition for floor time. Current freshman Isaiah Dahlman also will be in the mix for a larger role and might have taken away some of Joseph’s minutes this year if not for a foot injury that kept him out for seven games during the thick of the Big Ten race.

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