Michigan State Recruiting: 5 reasons why Mark Smith will pick MSU

Michigan State recruiting is patently awaiting the decision of four-star point guard Mark Smith and here’s why he will pick the Spartans.

It didn’t take long for Michigan State to jump into the driver’s seat for four-star Illinois Mr. Basketball Mark Smith. The Spartans offered the talented guard at the end of March, just about a week after first getting into contact with him.

The process has moved along quite fast and it looks like Michigan State is in fairly good shape heading into a visit this weekend. Tom Izzo has worked his recruiting magic, something he’s found over the past two years, and has gotten the Spartans into good position.

In fact, both Kentucky and Illinois have been putting the full-court press on the kid, but he hasn’t budged much. If anything, his interest in Michigan State continues to grow, which can only be a good thing for the Spartans.

Here are five reasons why I believe the four-star guard will pick Michigan State come April 12 (his planned decision date).

5. Smith and his family love Tom Izzo

Mark Smith’s love for Tom Izzo is obvious. He wasn’t drawn in to commit on the spot by Kentucky and even though the Spartans got in late on his recruitment, he has given them all the time in the world to make their pitch.

Moreover, his family apparently loves Izzo as well. According to Ryan Evan, who first broke the news regarding Smith’s visit to East Lansing, it’s clear who the leader is heading into his April 12 decision date.

The fact that the entire family is on campus with Smith this weekend is a major bright spot for the Spartans. Izzo has to make that final pitch to the four-star guard from Edwardsville, make sure the family is on board and then hope Smith pulls the trigger.

Chances are he’s leaning toward the green and white and it’s possible he tells Izzo this weekend that he plans to become a Spartan. Everyone already seems to be on board with the idea, so now it’s time to play the waiting game.