The History of Twin Commitments to Michigan State Spartans Basketball

The History of Twin Commitments to Michigan State Spartans Basketball

The Michigan State Spartans basketball program, under the legendary guidance of Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo, boasts a rich tradition of excellence, including a 2000 national championship, multiple Final Fours, and consistent Big Ten dominance. While the men’s program has not frequently landed twin recruits, the concept of siblings—particularly twins—committing together adds a unique layer of intrigue and chemistry to college basketball recruiting. Twins often bring an innate understanding of each other’s game, fostering seamless on-court synergy. This has been evident in other programs, such as the famous Morris twins (Marcus and Markieff) who starred at Kansas before thriving in the NBA.

Michigan State’s encounters with twin commitments have primarily occurred in the women’s program, where package deals have boosted recruiting classes. However, the men’s side has seen recent additions of twin walk-ons, highlighting Izzo’s willingness to embrace unique talent pipelines. Below is a chronological look at notable twin commitments to Spartans basketball.

Early Instances and Women’s Program Success

One of the most prominent twin commitments came in October 2022, when Indya and Summer Davis, highly touted four-star recruits from West Bloomfield High School in Michigan, verbally committed to the Michigan State women’s basketball team under then-head coach Suzy Merchant. The Davis twins, both ranked just outside ESPN’s HoopGurlz Super 60, were seen as cornerstone additions for the Class of 2024. Indya, a versatile guard, and Summer, a dynamic point guard, chose MSU for its proximity to home and the opportunity to play together at the Division I level. Their commitment coincided with Merchant’s contract extension through 2027, signaling a bright future for the program.

The Davis sisters exemplified the appeal of keeping twins together: shared development, mutual motivation, and instant team chemistry. Although the women’s program transitioned to new leadership, the twins’ decision underscored MSU’s ability to attract in-state talent packages.

Fast-forward to October 2023, when another pair of twins, Amy and Anna Terrian from Pewaukee, Wisconsin, announced their verbal commitments to the Spartans women’s team, now led by coach Robyn Fralick. Rated as four-star point guards by ESPN (both with 91 scout grades), the Terrian twins were the first known commits for the 2025 class. As sophomores, they had already showcased elite skills, with Amy earning All-State honors in Wisconsin. Their decision to commit together highlighted the enduring allure of sibling duos in recruiting, providing MSU with two high-IQ floor generals poised to elevate the backcourt.

These women’s commitments reflect a pattern where twins seek programs that value family bonds and shared experiences, contributing to roster stability and depth.

Men’s Program: Walk-On Twins and Recent Recruiting Momentum

On the men’s side, twin commitments have been rarer but no less impactful in niche roles. In August 2024, twin brothers Brennan and Colin Walton joined the Michigan State men’s basketball team as preferred walk-ons. The Waltons, who had initially planned to attend Central Michigan University without playing basketball, caught the attention of Izzo’s staff. Assistant coaches recognized their potential and brought them in for discussions, ultimately convincing the twins to walk on at MSU. This opportunity allowed them to learn under a Hall of Famer while pursuing their degrees.

Though not scholarship recruits, the Walton twins represent Izzo’s philosophy of building depth and culture through hardworking additions. Walk-ons have historically played key roles in practice and occasional game minutes, embodying the “Spartan Dawg” mentality.

While no high-profile twin scholarship recruits have landed for the men’s team in recent cycles, the 2026 class has generated massive buzz. Tom Izzo secured a nationally top-ranked group, signing four four-star prospects: point guard Carlos Medlock Jr., shooting guard Jasiah Jervis, forward Julius Avent, and five-star center Ethan Taylor. This class, finalized in November 2025, vaulted MSU to No. 1 in 247Sports composite rankings, showcasing Izzo’s recruiting prowess in the NIL era.

The Legacy and Future of Twins at MSU

Twin commitments, though infrequent on the men’s side, add a compelling narrative to Michigan State’s basketball history. From the Davis and Terrian sisters bolstering the women’s program to the Walton brothers contributing as walk-ons for the men, these duos emphasize family, chemistry, and shared ambition. Izzo’s program, played in the iconic Breslin Center, continues to thrive on such stories.

As the Spartans look ahead, the rarity of twin scholarship pairs on the men’s roster only heightens the excitement when they occur. Whether through walk-ons or future recruits, the history of twins committing to Michigan State Spartans basketball remains a testament to the program’s appeal for players who value brotherhood—literal and figurative—on the court.