Michigan State Basketball: Projected starters, bench for 2017-18 season

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Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Michigan State Spartans players huddle before the game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

Center: Brandon McCoy, Freshman

First, I think Bridges returns for his sophomore year and now I believe Brandon McCoy will pick Michigan State? OK, this is more of a best-case scenario lineup now, but it’s still entirely possible.

Rumors have been flying about Bridges wanting to remain a Spartan for one more season and the McCoy to Michigan State talk is heating up. Some are even stating that it’s a two-team race between the Spartans and Oregon Ducks to land the five-star center, originally from Chicago.

Michigan State hasn’t had the best luck recruiting the Chicago-area in recent years, but Izzo has been in McCoy’s ear almost every day and there’s a strong bond there. He feels at home in East Lansing and that’s probably because he’s closer to his mother in Chicago than he would be if he were to stay out west.

If McCoy does commit, he would likely be the day one starter at center. Izzo doesn’t like to start freshmen right away, but he has to believe that the best possible lineup would feature the blue-chip recruit.

McCoy is listed as the No. 11 player in the 2017 class and Izzo would love to add a 6-foot-10 post player with skill on both ends of the floor. He could be a special big for the Spartans alongside Ward.

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