Tyson Walker announces his return to Michigan State basketball for next season

East Lansing — With a top-three recruiting class already on the way, Tom Izzo and Michigan State landed an even bigger prize for next season.

That’s because guard Tyson Walker announced on Monday that he would return in 2023-24 for his fifth season, his third with the Spartans after transferring from Northeastern after his sophomore season.

"ONE MORE," he posted on Instagram, along with clips of highlights from his time at Michigan State.

It’s the news some around the program were expecting and plenty of fans were hoping for, after Walker enjoyed a breakout season in 2022-23, averaging 14.8 points while shooting 41.5% from 3-point range. He started all 34 games for the Spartans, helping to lead them to a 21-13 record and appearance in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, where they fell to Kansas State, 98-93, in an overtime thriller.

“Coach, he makes runs,” Walker said after the loss to Kansas State. “He's got a good group of guys coming in, good guys still here. I won't be surprised if he does it again and goes even further.”

If Izzo does make another run, that now officially includes Walker, who had a pair of 30-point games this season, as he emerged as the Spartans’ leading scorer and one with a knack for making big shots.

It came after Walker took time last season to adjust after transferring from Northeastern, where he was an All-Colonial Athletic Association player as a sophomore. In his first season with the Spartans, he appeared in all 36 games, making 28 starts. He averaged 8.2 points and 4.3 assists, shooting 42.7% from the field (47.3% on 3s).

Walker's return potentially gives Michigan State a deep and talented backcourt.

Barring any unforeseen player movement, Walker returns with fellow starters A.J. Hoggard, who will run the point, as well as Jaden Akins. Hoggard, who will be a senior, made huge strides this season and nearly won the Kansas State game on his own. Akins, who will be a junior, developed in the second half of the season after fully recovering from foot surgery, and he should take on an even bigger role next year.

Add in the return of Tre Holloman, who was reliable in short stints as a true freshman, and the arrival of five-star guard Jeremy Fears, and the Spartans will be as deep and talented as any backcourt in the nation. It’s part of the reason Michigan State is generally considered a top-15 team — if not higher — in a number of outlets' "way-too-early" rankings for 2023-24.

As important as Walker’s decision was, the Spartans expect a decision soon from forward Malik Hall. The senior is expected to return for his fifth season, as well, and an announcement could be coming this week.

All of that comes as sophomore guard Pierre Brooks announced on Sunday that he had committed to Butler after entering the NCAA transfer portal late last month.

mcharboneau@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @mattcharboneau