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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Yet another big get for Izzo out of the state of Indiana. Gary Harris was also considering Indiana and Purdue, but decided to head north to play for the Hall of Fame Head coach and the Spartans — it ended up being a great choice.

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Not many players can come in and have an instant impact in the way that Harris did as a true freshman, but he really started to make people believe in Izzo as a recruiter. He was ranked the No. 25 player in the country, according to Rivals, and the five-star prospect was recruited by a ton of top programs.

Having snagged Branden Dawson the year before, Harris was icing on the cake out of Fishers, Ind. The 6-foot-4 guard would team up with his fellow Indiana-native to try and bring the Spartans back to the Final Four. However, Harris never quite made it that far, earning a trip to the Elite Eight during his sophomore (final) year.

Back to his freshman campaign, Harris recorded 12.9 points and 2.5 rebounds per game and upped that even more as a sophomore, averaging 16.7 points and 4.0 boards. He was selected No. 19 overall in the 2014 NBA Draft.

Next: 4. Adreian Payne