A Closer Look at the Newest (and Biggest) Spartan: Anton Bonke

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 11: Anton Bonke #49 of the Charlotte 49ers jumps for the opening tipoff against the Davidson Wildcats at Dale F. Halton Arena on November 11, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images) | Getty Images After Lucas’ look at Carlos Medlock Jr.

on Friday, we’re continuing our preview series of new basketball players with a look at the Spartans’ only transfer (at least so far) for 2026-27: Anton Bonke . Bonke’s background is pretty interesting. He was born in the Netherlands but moved with his mother to Port Vila, Vanuatu, when he was three.

Bonke grew up in Port Vila and I had to figure out where that is: So, it’s an island north of New Zealand and between Australia and Fiji: And, apparently, it’s not easy to get to East Lansing from Vanuatu: Making it even harder, Bonke comes to MSU by way of Eastern Arizona Junior College, Providence College, and the University of Charlotte. One of our readers posted this Q&A with Bonke from his time at Eastern Arizona JC and there is this all-access video from the 2025-2026 season at Charlotte: In both sources, Bonke discusses growing up in Vanuatu and how his mom got him involved in several sports as a kid. One of which was rowing – a sport most people don’t care about.

I get it. But hear me out for just a moment, please. Training for rowing often takes place early in the morning, requiring a lot of discipline from a younger person.