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Michigan State Basketball: Best-case scenario for 2017-18 roster

By Connor Muldowney

Mar 16, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (22) during practice at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (22) during practice at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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With a big offseason approaching, here’s what the best-case scenario looks like for Michigan State basketball’s 2017-18 roster.

The 2017 recruiting class is filling up and Michigan State basketball is still awaiting some decisions regarding its roster for next season. There are currently two commits in the class, but more to come and potentially even a star freshman returning for his sophomore season.

Must Read: MSU Recruiting: 5 bold predictions for month of April

That begs the question, what is the best-case scenario for the Spartans’ 2017-18 roster? People have been asking how many scholarships remain, and if you look at the 2016-17 team, there will be departures from Alvin Ellis III, Eron Harris, Matt Van Dyk and likely Ben Carter. So four scholarships would be available.

However, Miles Bridges may return for his sophomore year and the two current commits make it seem as if there will only be one spot left. Word on the street is that Michigan State will be looking to add 2-3 more players (two if Bridges stays).

So what is the best-case roster?

Let’s start things off with a big visitor this weekend. Four-star Mark Smith is on campus with his family and he is currently a must-have target. Chances are he commits to the Spartans’ 2017 class, leaving one spot left.

This is all assuming Bridges returns, by the way.

Lastly, the most ideal finish to the 2017 class wouldn’t be Brian Bowen, however, but rather Brandon McCoy. If Bridges were to return and Smith commits, Bowen isn’t a need, just an unnecessary luxury. McCoy will join a suddenly-loaded post as a potential day one starter.If the class were to finish off like that, the starting five would look something like this:

PG: Cassius Winston
SG: Josh Langford
SF: Miles Bridges
PF: Nick Ward
C: Brandon McCoy

Just imagine that talent in the starting five. That’s a championship-caliber team. Moreover, the bench would include players such as Jaren Jackson Jr., Smith, Tum Tum Nairn, Xavier Tillman, Gavin Schilling, Matt McQuaid, Kenny Goins and Kyle Ahrens.

Related Story: 5 reasons Miles Bridges will return for another year

Lastly, if Bridges decides to leave, adding either Bowen, a grad transfer or four-star point guard Blake Harris would be an elite finish, too.

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