MSU basketball one of 16 teams set to appear in NBA 2K26

Michigan State men’s basketball players will soon be heading from the Breslin Center to MyPark and the 2K universe after the video game company confirmed the team’s addition to the popular franchise.

Earlier this week, 2K Games stopped by East Lansing for MSU players to become embedded in the popular video game series, NBA 2K.

In May, Coen Carr’s dunk animation was chosen to be included in NBA 2K26. After a flight to San Francisco, developers dressed Carr in a motion capture suit and had him do what he does best — dunk the basketball. His animation is now inside this year’s game and players can use it on breakaway slams of their own. 

Carr said he had a blast being involved, noting that he often sees players using his animation when he plays the game himself.

“Having a chance to be in the game, even though I’m not really in the game, it’s not my ultimate goal,” Carr said. “Obviously, I want to actually be in the game, but just to have a little part of it is definitely cool to see.”

Through three games, Carr has 12 dunks, almost all in transition. After a pair of Breslin-rocking slams last week, Carr said he’s so locked in on the moment that he sometimes doesn’t realize how loud the arena gets.

“I don’t really hear it too much,” Carr said. “I feel like in those moments it’s hard to really hear how loud it is sometimes. It’s definitely a crazy place to play in. Whenever you can do something like that, stop the momentum and give you the momentum, that’s great.”

In a statement from 2K, the company said MSU will soon be a part of 2K’s college basketball game to be released 2027.

“2K is working on a college basketball experience that will feature some of the best collegiate programs,” 2K said. “For over a quarter century, we have delivered the most authentic basketball simulation, rooted in realism and competition. We can’t wait to bring this same passion and dedication to the college court.”

“Now that class is in session, students will see the 2K scan truck on campuses such as UCLA, UNC, Duke and Michigan State, as we begin to scan select players this Fall,” 2K said. “Basketball fans won’t have to wait long to start seeing some of their favorite colleges show up in game. We’ve got big plans for 2027 and beyond.”

The truck scanned players’ faces and bodies so their features could be implemented for their player in-game. Sophomore Jeremy Fears said he’s played the game all his life and having this opportunity is fun.

“I still kind of play it a little bit now, especially when it comes out,” Fears said. “I play it every year with my friends and I play a little bit with my brother.”

Throughout the season, the team winds down by playing NBA 2K, growing closer through the classic video game. MSU is now one of 16 teams that will be added, with the 2K scan truck visiting Duke, Michigan, Arkansas, Houston and North Carolina.

Carr said being in this game is what players like him dream of.

“That was a good time,” Carr said. “I think everybody enjoys being able to have a chance to be in the game. That’s what you really dream about when you’re little.”