Michigan State Recruiting: 10 priority 2017 basketball targets

Don’t be fooled at how low Nojel Eastern is on this list, he’s definitely a top target for Tom Izzo and his staff. The point guard from Evanston Township — the same high school as 2016 football commit Naquan Jones — has been on the Spartans’ radar for quite some time.

In fact, Izzo was checking out his high school games just last week and has checked in on him multiple times in the past. Who wouldn’t want to add a point guard with Eastern’s size? He’s 6-foot-6, 200 pounds and has the potential to skyrocket up recruiting boards over the next year.

If I were given the choice to predict one kid who has the best chance to become a Spartan — almost a lock, you might say — for the 2017 basketball class, Eastern would be my choice. I’m not the only one who thinks that, either. According to the 247Sports’ Crystal Ball, all six of his predictions are to Michigan State — take that for what you want.

Sure, the Crystal Ball is often wrong and is just based off recruiting experts’ educated guesses, but he seems to love the Michigan State program, and vice versa. Plus, the fact that he has a friend, Naquan Jones, who’s going to be in East Lansing next year helps.

Eastern is ranked No. 55 in the class and as the 12th-best point guard, according to 247Sports. He’s also been offered by Illinois, Iowa State, Purdue and Missouri.

Next: 7. Gary Trent Jr.