Michigan State Basketball: Tom Izzo’s top recruiting victories

Mar 13, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans coach Tom Izzo coaches on the sidelines against the Purdue Boilermakers during the Big Ten conference tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Michigan State defeats Purdue 66-62. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans coach Tom Izzo coaches on the sidelines against the Purdue Boilermakers during the Big Ten conference tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Michigan State defeats Purdue 66-62. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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There’s no doubt that Delvon Roe was one of the most intriguing prospects that Tom Izzo had ever recruited. The 6-foot-8, 235-pound power forward was a five-star and the No. 24 player in the nation coming out of St. Edward in Lakewood, Ohio. The Spartans have recruited very well in Ohio and Roe was no exception.

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Starting his career in the green and white with a ton of promise to be the next great big man, Roe started a number of games during his freshman season, including the national title against North Carolina. His career was off to a fast start and the Parade All-American averaged 5.6 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.

Let’s take a step back, though. Back in his senior year of high school, Roe suffered a slight tear in his meniscus and missed most of his final season. It was a precautionary measure, though, so it wasn’t the most serious of knee injuries.

Throughout his career, however, that knee plagued him. Roe never seemed to be playing completely healthy and it was obvious that he was in pain more often than not. He played two more years for the Spartans, averaging 6.1 points and 5.1 rebounds over his career, and decided to retire before his senior season.

Next: 7. Kelvin Torbert