Michigan State Basketball: Ranking Tom Izzo’s top 10 recruiting classes
February 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Spurs 110-99. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
7. Class of 2008
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo should be very proud of this class. I mean, he snagged two of the top players in the class while developing the third player into a current NBA star. The first two players were five-star Delvon Roe and four-star point guard Korie Lucious while the third was three-star underrated forward Draymond Green.
Roe began his career with the Spartans already under injury alert and spent most of his time at Michigan State battling knee problems — something that ultimately led to his early ‘retirement’ from college basketball. He never got to really live up to his potential, but he still contributed to two Final Fours in three NCAA Tournament appearances. Roe was once a lock to be a star at the next level, but instead played just three years with MSU, averaging 6.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.
Lucious had a somewhat-interesting career with the Spartans as he was suspended indefinitely by Izzo after his junior year with Michigan State. He had the choice of riding out his suspension or transferring, and he picked the second option, joining the Iowa State Cyclones. Lucious made the most famous shot in the school’s NCAA Tournament history as he hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to send MSU to the Sweet Sixteen in 2010. He filled in nicely for an injured Kalin Lucas, but finished his career with the Green & White on a low note.
Green is one of the most beloved Spartans in school history. He was a collegiate superstar, even winning player of the year honors in his senior season before getting drafted in the second round of the 2012 NBA Draft. He helped lead the Spartans to a couple Final Fours while becoming a vocal leader for the team and finishing his career averaging 10.5 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.
Very underrated class.
Next: 6. Class of 2004