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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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Mar 30, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonald’s All-American West guard Lonzo Ball (2) celebrates the victory with forward Josh Jackson (11) during the McDonald’s High School All-American Game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonald’s All-American West guard Lonzo Ball (2) celebrates the victory with forward Josh Jackson (11) during the McDonald’s High School All-American Game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

The most recent and potentially the most heartbreaking. Michigan State’s 2016 recruiting class is ranked No. 3 in the country and is the best in the Tom Izzo era, yet it has the biggest ‘what if’ of all — and the kid hasn’t even played a second of college hoops yet.

Michigan State currently has five-star Josh Langford, five-star Miles Bridges, four-star Cassius Winston and four-star Nick Ward committed in 2016, but five-star and top national prospect Josh Jackson would have been the icing on the cake. He would have been that kid who could turn the Spartans into a national title favorite.

Losing Denzel Valentine and Bryn Forbes in the backcourt heading into the 2016-17 season will hurt, but Michigan State is loaded in that area. Jackson would have helped with depth and the No. 1 recruit in the class likely would be gone after one season.

However, he chose Kansas via Twitter just days ago, leaving Spartan fans everywhere crushed and looking for answers — yes, over a high school kid’s college choice.

Jackson was down to three schools: Michigan State, Arizona and Kansas. Each spent time as the presumed favorite and Kansas was a late addition into the race, eventually winning out and landing the nation’s top player.

It probably hurts more because of Deyonta Davis’ departure, but Jackson was born and raised in Detroit and his friends and family still live here. He’s best friends with Miles Bridges, so those reasons alone make this an extra tough pill to swallow.

Still, though, not Izzo’s biggest miss — but close.

Next: 1. Jabari Parker

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