Michigan State Recruiting: 2017 basketball targets to keep an eye on

Mar 4, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Travis Trice (20) brings the ball up court against the Purdue Boilermakers during the 2nd half of a game at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

While Green is high on the list as a possible point guard target for Izzo, I would venture to say Nojel Eastern from Evanston, Ill., is probably a tad higher on the big board for the Spartans. Although Green may be ranked higher nationally, Eastern has a bit more appeal to him.

Green stood 5-foot-11 while Eastern stands 6-foot-5 and weighs about 35 pounds more. His body frame has filled out and he looks the part of a collegiate point guard.

I’m not saying that undersized point guards can’t excel at MSU, just look at what Trice did, but if Izzo had to choose, he would likely pick the guy who can see over the defense better and drive to the hole with a longer wingspan, hopefully avoiding being swatted.

After an offer on May 8, the Spartans seemed to insert themselves into the race for the point guard from Big Ten territory who currently has eight offers.

Eastern is ranked No. 47 in the class and the No. 11 point guard, according to 247Sports, and will likely be a rising name in the coming year as he was a bit of a quiet addition to the Spartans’ list of scholarship offers.

The four-star PG suffered an ankle injury recently and will be attempting to come back with a vengeance, eying a spot at a major collegiate program. The Spartans would be a good fit.

Next: 3. Paul Scruggs, PG, 5-star