​When Michigan State basketball first landed 5-star center Ethan Taylor, it was seen as a major recruiting coup for the Spartans. Taylor is a legitimate seven-footer with some very tantalizing offensive abilities. However, after committing to the Spartans, Taylor’s star started to fall after having what was considered to be a disappointing senior season to finish his high school career.That’s why it’s a valid and exciting thing to hear MSU head coach Tom Izzo say that Taylor has been one of the big ‘surprises’ of the preseason for the Spartans. Heading into this year, it was speculated that Taylor may take a redshirt, but based on Izzo’s comments, captured by Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press, it seems that Taylor may actually get some run this season after all:Izzo says 5-star freshman C Ethan Taylor has been a surprise so far for MSU, likes his quickness and reach but “as always with most big guys, the motor’s gotta keep going.” Says Taylor “is making some serious progress in that area.”— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 15, 2026Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Andrew Brewster on Twitter @IAmBrewster.This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Michigan State basketball center Ethan Taylor has been a ‘surprise’