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Michigan State Basketball: Foster Loyer, Xavier Tillman prove bright future

By Connor Muldowney

Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo reacts during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo reacts during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Saturday’s battle between Foster Loyer and Xavier Tillman proved that Michigan State basketball has quite the bright future.

All postseason long, it seemed like Xavier Tillman’s Grand Rapids Christian team and Foster Loyer’s Clarkston squad were on a collision course for East Lansing in the Class A state title game. That proved to be true. Both Michigan State basketball commits led their teams all the way to the Breslin Center over the weekend for the state championship.

Must Read: MSU Recruiting: Top 7 remaining 2018 basketball targets

Loyer, although small and not necessarily the physical epitome of a collegiate star, was torching defenders throughout the playoffs. That didn’t stop in the state title game as he scored 29 points and hit 4-of-8 3-pointers. He also had five rebounds and three assists in the win over Tillman’s team, 75-69.

Tillman, on the other hand, had 25 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks, leading Christian. His team may have fallen in the most important game of the year, but he proved along the way that Michigan State is getting a stud big man. Not only did he perform well in the title game, but he out-shined Mr. Basketball Isaiah Livers in the state quarterfinals.

While Loyer is just a junior and won’t be with the Spartans for two more years, the young four-star point guard has shown flashes of brilliance. In fact, Michigan State’s Rivals reporter, Rico Beard, compares him to a mix of Kalin Lucas and Drew Neitzel.

As for Tillman, he is a rare big man. While he has the ability of a Nick Ward in the paint, he has excellent athleticism and court vision, making passes you wouldn’t normally see bigs make. He will join a deep post in 2017. He also had good things to say about his future teammate (Loyer):

If we learned anything during this state title run for both teams, it’s that both Tillman and Loyer are poised to make Michigan State basketball a national favorite again.

Related Story: MSU Recruiting: 5 bold predictions for March

The future of Spartan basketball is bright, folks. Buckle up, because the 2017 season will begin one of the most successful eras in Tom Izzo’s tenure.

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