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What Separates Elite Tom Izzo, MSU Basketball Target From the Pack

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What Separates Elite Tom Izzo, MSU Basketball Target From the Pack


Forward Niko Bundalo is one of Michigan State coach Tom Izzo’s top priorities in the 2025 class.

The five-star recruit recently helped lead Western Reserve Academy to the National Prep Championship, dropping 19 points in the championship game against the elite Newman School. Bundalo will play with the Serbian 18U National Team later this summer, competing for the European Basketball Championship.

Bundalo told me he stands 6-foot-9 and three quarters without shoes, he was measured while he was out in California training at the elite Meyer Institute of Sport. Bundalo is the 24th-ranked player in his class, per 247Sports Composite.

As one of the top players in the world at his age, Bundalo has a lot to offer on the court.

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“I’m listed as a [power forward], but I would say I could play a [small forward] because I can handle the ball, I can shoot it. I can rebound, I can push the ball up the floor. I can pass the ball. I can guard, I can defend, I can be a shot blocker. I think my ability to affect the game in multiple ways is my strength.”

For all of the ability he has, Bundalo told me his relentlessness is what defines him. More than any skill or measurable exhibited on the court. The late Kobe Bryant was Bundalo’s idol growing up, and the mentality to compete is everything to Bundalo. Pushing himself to the brink is what he takes pride in.

Talking with Bundalo, I understood the sincerity of his belief in himself, his drive and his goals.

“There’s no ifs, ands, or buts. From the day I was born, I’ve wanted to be in the NBA,” Bundalo said. “I know this might be crazy to say as a 17-year-old kid, because a lot of kids might not be as bold-faced, but I’m working to become the best basketball player to ever touch the ball. For me, it’s not about going to the NBA, I want to end up the greatest basketball player to ever play the game. So I hold myself to that standard. You think about guys, all the all-time greats, all that stuff is okay man, pressure builds diamonds … I can’t let it get to me, I won’t let it get to me. This is what I’ve wanted my entire life. I don’t care what the price is. I don’t care I have to give up. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Bundalo’s heroes, Michael Jordan, Bryant — they all held their teammates to a high standard on the court. Bundalo says he prefers to lead by example, but the intent is the same. He wants to elevate those around him.

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“If they want to talk, we can talk. Thing is, I’m in the gym three times a day. If you’re my teammate and you see that, and that doesn’t ignite a fire in you to push yourself to be better, to try to find new ways to improve, then I don’t know what else I can do, man,” Bundalo said. “It hasn’t not worked for me yet, I think our team at Reserve, we were a 15-seed at the national tournament, that we won the whole thing. A lot of that goes into holding people to a specific standard, but first of all holding yourself to that same exact standard.”

Bundalo still has one more year of high school. Then he will likely play collegiately, for however long it takes before the NBA calls. Chances are, it could be sooner than later. Projecting how Bundalo would potentially perform at the NBA level would be unfair and irresponsible.

But when you think about the five-star ability, coupled with that mindset, you can’t help but wonder.

Michael France is Sports Illustrated’s Michigan State recruiting beat writer, covering all things Big Ten recruiting for Spartan Nation. Be sure to follow him on Twitter/X@michaelfrancesi for exclusive Spartans recruiting coverage.

Don’t forget to follow the official Spartan Nation Page on Facebook Spartan Nation WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be a part of our vibrant community group Go Green Go White as well WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.

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Michigan Lottery Daily 3, Daily 4 results for Dec. 16, 2025

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Michigan Lottery Daily 3, Daily 4 results for Dec. 16, 2025


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The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 16, 2025, results for each game:

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Winning Daily 3 numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

Midday: 8-9-0

Evening: 9-0-2

Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 4 numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

Midday: 8-7-2-6

Evening: 5-6-3-7

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Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

03-04-19-24-39, Lucky Ball: 11

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Poker Lotto numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

QS-KS-AS-5C-5D

Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

11-20-31-32-38

11-18-28-29-34

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily Keno numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

09-17-22-23-24-27-30-36-43-44-49-51-55-58-59-60-62-69-70-71-73-79

Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here.

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Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes up to $99,999.99, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Michigan Lottery’s Regional Offices.

To claim by mail, complete a ticket receipt form, sign your winning ticket, and send it along with original copies of your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to the address below. Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly. Claims should be mailed to:

Michigan Lottery

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Attn: Claim Center

101 E. Hillsdale

P.O. Box 30023

Lansing, MI 48909

For prizes over $100,000, winners must claim their prize in person at the Michigan Lottery Headquarters in Lansing located at 101 E. Hillsdale in downtown Lansing. Each winner must present original versions of a valid government-issued photo ID (typically a driver’s license or state ID) and a Social Security card, ensuring that the names on both documents match exactly. To schedule an appointment, please call the Lottery Player Relations office at 844-887-6836, option 2.

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If you prefer to claim in person at one of the Michigan Lottery Regional Offices for prizes under $100,000, appointments are required. Until further notice, please call 1-844-917-6325 to schedule an appointment. Regional office locations are as follows:

  • Lansing: 101 E. Hillsdale St. Lansing; Phone: 844-917-6325
  • Livonia: 33231 Plymouth Road, Livonia; Phone: 844-917-6325
  • Sterling Heights: 34700 Dequindre Road, Sterling Heights; Phone: 844-917-6325
  • Detroit: Cadillac Place, 3060 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-600, Detroit; Phone: 844-917-6325
  • Grand Rapids: 3391-B Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; Phone: 844-917-6325
  • Saginaw: Jerome T. Hart State Office Building, 411 E. Genesee Ave., Saginaw; Phone: 844-917-6325

For additional information, downloadable forms, and instructions, visit the Michigan Lottery’s prize claim page.

When are Michigan Lottery drawings held?

  • Daily 3 & Daily 4: Midday at 12:59 p.m., Evening at 7:29 p.m.
  • Fantasy 5: 7:29 p.m. daily
  • Poker Lotto: 7:29 p.m. daily
  • Lotto 47: 7:29 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday
  • Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily
  • Daily Keno: 7:29 p.m. daily

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Michigan editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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‘Michigan is like an oil field’: Why the coaching search could deliver an elite upgrade despite the chaos

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‘Michigan is like an oil field’: Why the coaching search could deliver an elite upgrade despite the chaos


CLEV ELAND, Ohio — The Michigan coaching search has dominated college football headlines this week, creating both uncertainty and opportunity for the defending national champions.

Despite the chaotic nature of the situation, college football analyst Josh Pate makes a compelling case that Michigan will ultimately emerge with a significant upgrade at head coach.

“I think they’re going to end up so much better for this. They’re not in a great place right now, but I mean once the fog clears, like Michigan will have clearly upgraded at their head coaching position,” Pate claims on the latest episode of his podcast, setting an optimistic tone despite the current turmoil.

One of the most significant developments has been Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer’s definitive statement removing himself from consideration.

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“I don’t think Kalen DeBoer is going anywhere. Feel pretty good about our sourcing on that,” Pate said. “You guys are free to believe whatever you want, but I do believe that he’ll be at Alabama this Friday and well beyond this Friday, no matter what the outcome of that game is. I hope I’ve been pretty clear there.”

With DeBoer firmly committed to Alabama, the podcast makes an impassioned case for Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham as the ideal candidate to revitalize Michigan’s program.

“I think Kenny Dillingham is a wonderful candidate for Michigan. That would be the guy that I would pursue,” Pate said. “I look at that guy and I see what he’s done in terms of quarterback development. I see what he’s done in terms of lighting a fan base on fire. I love the energy. I love the passion. I love how much his guys will go over a cliff for him.”

What makes this endorsement particularly compelling is the podcast’s vivid metaphor about Michigan’s untapped potential and why someone with Dillingham’s energy could be transformational.

“Michigan is like an oil field. I’ve been watching Land Man lately. It’s like an oil field that really hasn’t been drilled properly,” Pate said. “When you do, money is flying all over the place. It’s there. It’s there. I’ve got it on good word. A little birdie has flown in my ear recently and told me, you know, maybe since the Sherrone Moore firing, there’s a little bit of an uptick even in NIL contribution.”

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This assessment suggests Michigan’s NIL and donor resources remain largely untapped, creating an opportunity for an energetic, passionate coach like Dillingham to unlock unprecedented support.

Pate notes that despite Michigan’s recent national championship, no one has “really drilled deep at Michigan yet” when it comes to maximizing resources in college football’s new era.

The podcast also addresses the complexity of the search process, noting it’s moving “way differently than the Penn State search” with Michigan employing “search firm stages” that will lead to a search committee.

This methodical approach suggests Michigan is prioritizing making the right hire rather than the fastest hire.

Other candidates mentioned include Lincoln Riley, Eli Drinkwitz and Jedd Fisch, though the podcast clearly positions Dillingham as the transformational choice who could best capitalize on Michigan’s dormant potential.

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Interestingly, the podcast draws a distinction between Dillingham and DeBoer’s public statements about being happy at their current jobs: “I don’t think those were the same thing,” hinting that while DeBoer is genuinely staying put, Dillingham might still be in play despite expressing love for Arizona State.

For Michigan fans enduring a turbulent week, the podcast’s perspective offers a compelling reason for optimism.

Despite the messy nature of the coaching change, Michigan appears poised to emerge with a dynamic leader who could elevate the program to even greater heights.



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Michigan Gov. Whitmer lays out student literacy plan, says it will be her top priority

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Michigan Gov. Whitmer lays out student literacy plan, says it will be her top priority


Literacy is on the decline in Michigan, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she wants to stop it in its tracks.

The governor shared during this year’s Michigan Literacy Summit that one in three students in Michigan tests below average.

Michigan used to rank higher, but nowit is 44th in the nation when it comes to reading at grade level. Whitmer says it’s due to multiple things, from decades of disinvestment in education to the pandemic.

“Literacy is directly correlated to higher incomes, greater productivity more innovation,” Whitmer said at the summit.

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For the rest of her term as governor, Whitmer says literacy will be her top priority.

“A literate population is more civically engaged, more empowered, more equal,” said Whitmer.

In a room filled with educators from across Michigan, the governor didn’t place blame for the problem, but encouragement and next steps to improve literacy, such as proper resources and training.

“They’re taught by skilled, qualified educators who are getting more and more of every year with scholarships, retention and recruitment programs,” said Whitmer.

Educators say support, such as funding, has helped them be better educators to their students. Teachers say helping them pay for expensive training has allowed them to reach their students in a new way.

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“All of these things accelerated my knowledge and just gave me hope for Michigan’s direction,” said educator David Pelc

However, Whitmer recognized it’s not just the knowledge they are teaching, it’s the ability to connect with the young minds, especially in a world that is ever changing.

“They are growing up against rapidly changing technology, rising mental health challenges, increasing political division, they see violence playing out, and its a uncertain economic environment,” said Whitmer.

From the state Capital, the governor emphasized the bills she has passed that help lead to improving literacy, such as free pre-K and school lunches.

 Whitmer says she plans to offer advice to future budgets and leaders to continue to improve literacy in Michigan.

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