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

By Connor Muldowney

Mar 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo (L) talks to forward Nick Ward (44) in the second half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo (L) talks to forward Nick Ward (44) in the second half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 23, 2017; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo reacts to a play during the first half of a game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2017; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo reacts to a play during the first half of a game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Early playing time available

While Illinois could also offer this for Mark Smith, the Spartans seem to have peaked his interested over the last couple of weeks. Why? Well, to put it kindly, Michigan State is expected to have a much better 2017-18 season, and roster, than Illinois.

Not often does a true freshman at programs not named Kentucky or Duke get a chance to play major minutes for a proven winner. Not only that, but the Spartans are expected to be one of the top 10, some even have them top five, in the country next season. With a ton of talent returning, Michigan State needs some wings, and Smith could fill that void.

It may not be the most important factor in his recruitment, seeing as he would have picked Illinois already if he wanted a chance to play major minutes, but it’s worth noting that he wouldn’t have to redshirt. He would fill a need for the Spartans on the wing, splitting time with Josh Langford.

On top of that, he could play with a guy like Miles Bridges and that’s surprisingly a pull factor to some recruits as well. An important role on a potential Final Four team? How could you say no to that?

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