Also, as a two-time individual state champion in tennis, a collegiate tennis career certainly wasn’t out of the question either.

But none of it mattered. Kebler, who grew up just minutes from MSU’s campus, knew all along where he would go after high school — even if he didn’t know what he would be doing once he arrived.

“Honestly, there wasn’t really much of a choice,” Kebler said. “I always knew I was going to come here. If it was going to play basketball or be a regular student, I always knew I was going to come to Michigan State.”

Kebler wanted to play basketball, though, so he contacted head coach Tom Izzo and the MSU men’s basketball coaching staff, letting them know he was interested in playing for the Spartans.

Izzo was intrigued. Kebler played his high school basketball for Dan Stolz, who is considered one of the best in the state, and Izzo said that alone gave Kebler a chance.

“That was one of the reasons we took Mike besides him wanting to be here,” Izzo said. “Mike was a guy that really understood the game.”

Plus, as a 6-foot-4 guard with a decent frame, Izzo figured Kebler would be a nice addition to the practice squad. Izzo gave Kebler a spot on the team as a walk-on, and he immediately made an impact.

“From day one, Kebler was a valuable asset to the team because he just played so hard on scout team,” assistant coach Mark Montgomery said. “He picks up plays, he does other teams’ tendencies and he knows the game.”

But MSU was stacked at the guard position, and Kebler didn’t fit into the rotation.

Four years later, that all has changed. With Chris Allen leaving before the season and Korie Lucious getting dismissed more than a month ago, the now-senior Kebler suddenly finds himself as part of the regular playing group.

The second-year scholarship player is preparing for his final game at Breslin Center on Wednesday. Izzo usually starts his seniors in their last home game, but that won’t affect Kebler. He’s been starting for almost two weeks now.

“I couldn’t tell anyone honestly that I thought I was going to get this much playing time,” Kebler said. “But I just knew that I had to just keep playing hard and put myself in the position to be ready if the opportunity came.”

At first, Kebler simply was a defensive stopper. MSU had enough scoring on the floor, but Izzo needed someone who could check the other team’s best player. But with fellow senior guard Durrell Summers struggling, even that has changed.

“I am looked at as a defensive player, making all the hustle plays, stuff like that,” Kebler said. “Now my role is expanded a little bit, and I have to take and make the shots when I’m open.”

From walk-on to defensive specialist to all-around player, Kebler’s development has impressed his coaches. It also has made it a little harder for them to see him go.

“It’s too bad he doesn’t have another year left,” Izzo said. “But at the same time, when you come as a walk-on and you earn a scholarship and you earn playing time and then you almost earn starting time, I think that speaks volumes.”

Kebler is on track to graduate with a finance degree in May, and after going to two Final Fours, he doesn’t have any problems with the way his career has played out. He simply hopes he doesn’t have to wake up from what has become a ”dream come true” anytime soon.

“I don’t regret anything I did, but definitely now that I’m playing more and playing better, I wish the season was extended a little bit,” Kebler said. “But it’s been great, and now I’m going to close my career out on a high note hopefully.”