Walton Twins Relish Walk-On Experience with Men’s Basketball

By Nathaniel Miller
For msuspartans.com

Around this time last year, twin brothers Brennan and Colin Walton had played the final games of their basketball careers at nearby Okemos High School.

The 6-7 forwards and the Wolves finished the season with a 19-5 record as Brennan earned all-state honors and Colin was an honorable mention selection.

However, their futures were uncertain. They weren't decided on where to go for college and if basketball would be part of the equation.

"In many moments after we both graduated, we weren't really sure if we would [continue playing basketball]," Colin said. "Brennan was talking about becoming a Marine and I wasn't really sure what I was going to do."

With their paths seemingly headed in two separate directions, the Walton brothers knew there was a real chance that they would not play organized basketball together again. However, that all changed when they were presented the opportunity to be a part of the Michigan State men's basketball team.

Brennan and Colin were added to the scout team in July 2024, prior to the season, becoming one of 10 sets of twins that currently play Division I basketball.
Head Coach Tom Izzo informed the twins that they would be redshirting, meaning they would not be playing in games. This did not deter Brennan or Colin whatsoever.

"Coming into this, we knew this is what we were going to do," Colin Walton said. "It wasn't that big of a change for us because at Okemos they did a really good job at prepping for games.

"Our junior year and a little bit of my sophomore year, I was doing the prep work. So it was a different role than our senior year for sure, but an amazing experience nonetheless."

The shift in roles was not the only hurdle that came along with going from an all-state starter to a redshirt freshman. The shift in mentality that came along was something that could really take a toll on an athlete's mind. But once again, the Walton twins were virtually unphased by this change.

"As far as a mental shift, it wasn't too crazy for me, but there was a lot more pressure," Brennan Walton said. "You had to get those guys prepared, you had to know the plays and that was our job. You have your job and you have to perform to get the guys at the highest level to be functioning on the court and ensure they know what they're doing. I think I speak for a lot of the guys on the scout team, but we all took pride in that."

Both Brennan and Colin understood their primary role was to help the starters prepare for game action. They were also focusing on improving their own skills to the next level.

Colin believes his abilities increased a lot with just one year under his belt in East Lansing.

"Basketball aside, my athleticism increased so much," Colin Walton said. "We came in here before every game day and we'd lift before the game. Sometimes, we'll just come in on random days and lift by ourselves. Because one of the biggest benefits of being around the program is that we (he and Brennan) could just increase our athleticism. For a lot of guys at college level, athleticism is key."

Beyond just basketball skills and athleticism, being on the MSU scout team allowed both the Walton twins to grow a lot as people. As twin brothers, they are on this incredible journey together and do not take it for granted.

"Colin made a lot of the hard days easier," Brennan said. "It was nice to have another person with you who you're learning with as well."

MSU student manager David Bernecker become good friends with both Colin and Brennan during the course of the season. The twins' late arrival to the team was a big reason as to why they fostered such a close relationship with Bernecker.

"With them joining [the team] over the summer, they were pretty new to it," Bernecker said. "They weren't super comfortable around everyone right away. So then because of that, during practices a lot of the time, they would sit and talk with the managers. Over that time I developed a good relationship with them and then (former graduate manager) Michael Provenzano suggested to me that I should be the one who starts working them out. They were new walk-on's who had just been here a short time but once I started working with them, we became super close."

Over the course of the last seven months, Bernecker has been able to observe the twins both on and off the court. Through that, he has been able to see just how much Brennan and Colin have improved, not only as players, but also as people.

"Like everyone who gets thrown into a new situation, they weren't quiet at first, but I think they were just a little uncomfortable with all the new people around," Bernecker said. "Quickly after though they realized that at Michigan State you're a big family and just hanging out with your brothers all day. Over time they became more and more comfortable with all the players and staff and it has been great to see."

Now, having completed their freshman year at Michigan State, they laugh when they think about where they were a year ago, but wouldn't trade the experience.

"I was very glad that I was able to do this and that I had this opportunity," Colin said. "I don't know what will happen going forward, but we were very blessed to get this opportunity."

"This was an experience that was incredible for us and our family," Brennan said. "It's crazy to think about the experiences we had this past season and getting to be with the team through the Elite Eight of the NCAAs is something neither of us will ever forget."

Walton Twins Relish Walk-On Experience with Men’s Basketball

Players Mentioned

Brennan Walton

Colin Walton

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