Ben Carter Granted Sixth Year of Eligibility by NCAA

The rich keep getting richer. On the same day that NBC named them #1 in a “way-too-early” preseason rankings, the Spartans got some unexpectedly great news: forward/center Ben Carter was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA today and will play for Michigan State during the 2017-18 season.

Carter, a two-time transfer, suffered a season-ending knee injury during last preseason and was unable to suit up. Now, thanks to an NCAA waiver approval he will get the chance to play his final season in East Lansing after all.

The 6’9” Carter adds to a dramatic frontcourt turnaround. After playing with only one player — 6’8” Nick Ward — over 6’7” all of last season, the Spartans will now boast an incredible amount of depth and height along the front line. Carter, Ward, Gavin Schilling, Xaiver Tillman and Jaren Jackson all top 6’8” and feature varying diverse skill sets.

Tom Izzo may now even have the luxury of red-shirting Tillman, something that even a few months ago seemed unfathomable.

MSU’s official statement...

Carter’s return also leaves Michigan State with only one available scholarship for 2017. Who gets that spot is now easily the biggest talking point in the MSU offseason.

DO YOUR HAPPY DANCE, FOLKS

*EDIT: Article earlier said “CBS named them #1 in a “way-too-early” preseason rankings, corrected to NBC