This past season, Wood was honored as a First-Team All-Horizon League honoree, after averaging a team-best 16.7 points per game for the Crusaders. Wood likely will step into a starting role for the young Spartan team, after the program lost guards Kalin Lucas, Durrell Summers, Mike Kebler, Korie Lucious and Chris Allen in 2010.

The State News sat down with Wood to discuss why he chose to transfer and what he’s looking forward to in his season with MSU.

For those who don’t know, why did you make the move from Valparaiso to MSU?
“Really just I had the opportunity to continue my graduate schooling at a university such as Michigan State while playing basketball for one of the best college basketball programs ever. Just the opportunity and the hand that was placed in front of me, it was one I felt like I need to take advantage of.”

How’s it feel to be a Spartan?
“It feels great — just getting up here and being settled in in East Lansing and meeting my teammates and my coaches, beginning our relationships — it’s been great. They’ve accepted me pretty well and it’s made the transition real smooth and I feel real comfortable up here.”

You’re in the position to come in and make an impact right away. Do you feel that it’s possible for you to do that?
“Definitely, yes.”

What’s the biggest thing you’re looking forward to in stepping into a starting role coming into the program?
“I’m just looking to bring my experiences over these past four years and my leadership and just looking to get out there and make the best of the opportunity that’s in front of me. I plan on working hard and earning my spot and doing whatever I need to do to win and keep our team in a position to make the NCAA Tournament and win the Big Ten.”

This is a team that has had a lot of success during the past decade. What are your plans on building on that success?
“Like you said, just the success over the last 10 years, it’s really one of the best programs ever. I mean, I just plan to do whatever I can on and off the court for the program to just continue the positive impact the program has had on and off the court and just do whatever I can to get us back on track and just have a great year.”

What would it mean for you to step in here and lead the team to NCAA Tournament success?
“It would mean the world to me. Having the opportunity to even make it to the NCAA Tournament would be one of the greatest experiences ever to me. I mean, as you know I haven’t been there yet. Having the opportunity to play on a program that has the tradition of making it there every year is exciting. I’m proud of where I’ve came over these last four years and through the hard work I’ve put in to play for one of the best programs ever. It just shows my hard work and how hungry I am to reach my personal goals and reach my team goals so it’s going to be a great, great year and a great experience.”