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Michigan State Recruiting: Ranking Tom Izzo’s biggest misses

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 28, 2014; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Cliff Alexander (2) claps and reacts against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at HP Field House. Kansas Jayhawks defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 82-67. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2014; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Cliff Alexander (2) claps and reacts against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at HP Field House. Kansas Jayhawks defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 82-67. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2014; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Cliff Alexander (2) is congratulated by guard Brannen Greene (14) and teammates after he made a shot during the second half at HP Field house at Wide World of Sports Complex. Kansas Jayhawks defeated the Rhode Island Rams 76-60. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2014; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Cliff Alexander (2) is congratulated by guard Brannen Greene (14) and teammates after he made a shot during the second half at HP Field house at Wide World of Sports Complex. Kansas Jayhawks defeated the Rhode Island Rams 76-60. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

When alluding to the most mysterious of recruitments on the previous slide, I was referring to Cliff Alexander’s mysterious broken relationship with Michigan State prior to choosing Kansas. The 2014 class was loaded with premier post players from Chicago, and Alexander was considered one of the best in the nation.

After claiming he liked everything about the Spartans just weeks before he was set to decide and Michigan State seemed to be a favorite, Alexander had this to say, according to Diamond Leung of MLive back in 2013:

"Cliff Alexander, the consensus top-five national recruit from Chicago has become the latest blue-chip recruit to eliminate the Spartans from consideration. “Right now, no relationship,” the big man told Illini Playbook on Thursday, shaking his head. “They’re not on my list anymore. “It just happened I want to say the day before yesterday.”"

What could have possibly happened “the day before yesterday” to change a kid’s mind almost completely? It had to be something serious that his entire college decision would have basically flip-flopped in a matter of days.

Alexander was an absolute monster coming out of high school, standing 6-foot-9, weighing 240 pounds and ranking as the best power forward in the country, according to just about every recruiting database. He eventually chose Kansas.

At Kansas, he was suspended during an NCAA investigation in which it was revealed that his mother took illegal benefits while he was being recruited and at school. Cliff declared for the NBA after one season, averaging just 7.1 points and 5.3 rebounds in just 28 games. Ultimately, it looks like Michigan State dodged a bullet.

Next: 2. Josh Jackson

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