Michigan State Recruiting: Top 2016 basketball targets

Mar 4, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Lourawls Nairn Jr. (11) is introduced prior to a game at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Cassius Winston has to be a guy who Izzo is crazy about and will do everything in his power, obviously within reason, to make sure he ends up in the Green & White. According to 247Sports, the point guard is ranked No. 5 in the country at his position and No. 28 overall, marking the third player on this list ranked inside the top-30 in the country — Izzo really is changing his tune in recruiting.

Winston is one of the better prospects in the class seeing as he might be ready for the next level as we speak. He was dominating spring AAU-type play and looked like he was going to be a top player in the offseason basketball circuit until he broke his wrist a month ago.

The wrist issue isn’t really an injury that would scary anyone away because it was likely a freak accident on the court that happened when he landed on it. If it were the knee, it’d be a different story.

Standing 6-foot-0 and weighing in at 165 pounds, Winston’s style of play is a bit surprising. Although it’s not shocking that he is quick with the ball in his hands and makes good decisions, he drives to the hoop, unafraid of the big men in the post and loves to draw fouls or go right at the basket. Winston will throw his slight frame around in order to get to the hole and give his team easy buckets.

It’s guys like that who have thrived in MSU’s offense over the years — Kalin Lucas, Keith Appling and now Tum Tum Nairn.

Next: 1. Miles Bridges, SF, 5-star