Michigan State basketball enters race for elite 2020 5-star CG Karim Mane

Cassius Winston won’t be easy to replace, but Michigan State basketball is hoping to replace him with an elite five-star guard in Karim Mane.

Finding a replacement for Cassius Winston won’t be easy.

Tom Izzo could look for just that on his own roster, but he’d realize that Foster Loyer isn’t ready and Rocket Watts isn’t a natural point guard. He can run the point in spells, but he can’t play the position for 30-35 minutes per game. He operates best when he is running the point for about 10-15 minutes, max.

So where does that leave Izzo, especially with Jalen Terry de-committing this past fall? Well, he’s hitting the road to check in on a new name, one that many Spartan fans may be unfamiliar with: Karim Mane.

The five-star combo guard from Canada is receiving a visit from the coaching staff but had yet to receive an offer, but that all changed on Friday afternoon.

Not only could Mane fill a Cassius-sized void as a freshman, but he could be a more athletic version of the All-American point guard. He won’t fill those shoes easily, though, as it would take some time for him to adjust to the heavy workload, but if he’s looking for extended playing time immediately, Michigan State may be the place for him.

Mane’s athleticism is what sets him apart from other guards as the 6-foot-4, 195-pounder can jump out of the gym and he has the ability to put defenders on skates while looking for his own shot.

The Canadian guard can not only drive to the lane, but he has a solid spot-up and catch-and-shoot game. He can score from anywhere on the floor and his ability to finish is astounding.

Mane is ranked the No. 25 overall recruit in the class and is the fifth-best combo guard, per 247Sports. Imagine a backcourt with Mane and AJ Hoggard coming in, along with a beast in the post in Mady Sissoko. Watch out, Big Ten.