Tre Holloman’s move to the transfer portal was a shock to Michigan State basketball fans, who saw him as a beloved figure after his defense of the senior day tradition and his overall loyalty to the program. His poor performance in the Elite Eight loss to Auburn didn’t dim the fans’ support; if anything, it solidified his status as a fan favorite. But just two days later, he was gone, entering the portal and leaving Spartans everywhere scratching their heads. The initial assumption was that he left for a better NIL deal, and when he chose NC State, it seemed to confirm that. Reports, however, suggested he wanted a starting point guard role, and NC State, under Will Wade, who was rebuilding, looked like the perfect fit. Holloman was projected to be that bridge point guard until Wade could secure his long-term solution in 2026.
But then came Friday’s news: On3 projected NC State to land PJ Haggerty, the No. 1 point guard left in the transfer portal. Haggerty, who starred for Memphis and even beat Michigan State in the regular season, is now set to be the starting point guard for the Wolfpack. For Holloman, that means reverting to a two-guard role or coming off the bench, essentially the same or even less point guard duties than he had at East Lansing. It’s a twist that has fans questioning whether Holloman was misled about his role at NC State.
The situation raises valid concerns. Holloman’s decision to transfer was likely influenced by the promise of a starting role, a chance to lead and finish his collegiate career on a high note. Now, with Haggerty’s arrival, that promise seems to be evaporating. It’s not uncommon in the transfer portal era for roles to shift, especially with high-profile additions, but it does beg the question of communication and expectations. Was Holloman told he’d be the starter only to find out otherwise? The timing of Haggerty’s projection, so soon after Holloman’s arrival, suggests a lack of transparency or a change in plans that wasn’t fully disclosed.
For Holloman, it’s a bitter pill. He left a program where he was adored for one where he hoped to shine, only to potentially find himself in a similar or diminished role. For NC State, it’s a strategic move to bolster their roster, but it comes at the expense of Holloman’s expectations. The transfer portal is a wild west, and while players like Holloman navigate it hoping for the best, the reality can be harsh. Stay tuned, because this story’s got legs, and for Holloman, it’s about adapting or potentially seeking another move. The NCAA landscape is ever-changing, and for a player like Holloman, the journey’s far from over.
