Michigan State Basketball: Ranking Tom Izzo’s top 10 recruiting classes
Nov 1, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Alan Anderson (6) during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
3. Class of 2001
This was the first class after the back-to-back-to-back Final Fours from 1999-2001 and was a class of three strong players — all of which contributed to an Elite Eight and Final Four appearance. Although this class was bounced in the first round of the NCAA Tournament twice, it was one of the strongest recruited classes in Izzo’s era, coming in at No. 3 on our list.
Chris Hill was the best shooter of the class, coming in as an offensive threat and not disappointing. He was very successful in his freshman season, averaging 11.1 points and then 13.7 and 13.8 points in his next two seasons, respectively. As I said, he was a sharpshooter, and he proved that. Hill once broke an MSU record by hitting nine three-pointers in a single game and finished his career with 306 made, shooting 41 percent. Hill finished his career with 11.9 points and 3.5 assists per game.
Kelvin Torbert came in as the highest-rated player in the class and was Michigan’s Mr. Basketball in 2001. He was a McDonald’s All-American as well, scoring 21 points during the annual game for high school basketball’s best players. Fans were so excited to get him on campus and to see what he really had to offer, likely being the most coveted recruit since Jason Richardson. He was an all-around performer for the Spartans, finishing his career just short of 1,200 points, averaging 9.3 and 3.4 rebounds per game.
Alan Anderson was also highly-touted out of Minnesota, but no one could have predicted he would be the most successful player at the next level. He was a good-sized guard with the ability to play positions one through four and excel at each of them. Anderson played all four seasons at Michigan State and finished with the same exact number of points (1,195) as Torbert for his career. Anderson had his best season as a senior, but went undrafted before getting picked up and he now plays for the Brooklyn Nets.
Three star recruits, just one NBA prospect.
Next: 2. Class of 2007