Michigan State Recruiting: 10 priority 2017 basketball targets
![Dec 30, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans and mascot Sparty huddle prior to a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports Dec 30, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans and mascot Sparty huddle prior to a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/8549a05a1dd0a5467629e73b38dcda6c420c76f8a08df19957f19a9da2a7a278.jpg)
When 247Sports‘ recruiting expert Jerry Meyer caught up with P.J. Washington back in December, the high school junior listed six school currently recruiting him and two making the hardest push for him:
"Five-star power forward P.J. Washington told 247Sports at the Tarkanian Classic that California and Texas were pursuing him the hardest. In fact Texas head coach Shaka Smart was on hand for Washington’s opening game at the event. Washington also listed Arizona, Kentucky, Florida and Michigan State as schools currently recruiting him. He claims offers from all six of these schools."
Michigan State is making a concerted effort to land a big guy for the 2017 class and Izzo is hoping that he has more than just a toss-up chance to land Washington. He’s one of the best post players in the nation and has the body frame to go with it. Washington stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 225 pounds.
Back in the fall, he listed Michigan State as one of his top 13 teams and it seems as if they’re in the top-six for him if they’re one of those teams recruiting his the hardest.
Washington is the 23rd-best overall player in the class and the No. 8 power forward as well as the fourth-best player from Texas, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. He also holds offers from California, Kentucky, Texas, Arizona, Baylor, Florida, North Carolina, Texas A&M and UCLA.
Next: 3. Paul Scruggs