University of Virginia freshman Isaac Traudt has announced he is seeking to move closer to home and has entered the transfer portal. Traudt is a 6'10 power forward from Grand Island, Nebraska, he was ranked by Rivals as the 67th overall recruit in the class of 2022. As one of the best shooting big men in the nation Traudt attracted attention from some of the best programs in men's basketball, including Michigan State. The Spartans offered Traudt a scholarship in the Spring of 2021 and he officially visited campus in June before ultimately choosing to attend Virgina. Many have compared Traudt to Michigan State graduate Joey Hauser. Hauser was heavily recruited by Tom Izzo before he committed to Marquette in 2017. When Hauser entered in the portal in 2019 Michigan State once again actively pursued him, this time adding him to the team.
As Traudt wrote in his statement, his intentions are to move closer to home. Based on his indications and what sources have relayed to us, it appears Traudt will not be repeating the circumstances of Hauser. That being said, Traudt is a player who has shown interest previously with Michigan State and was a top target of the Spartan program.
