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

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Oct 13, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo speaks with the media during Big Ten media day at the Marriott Washington Wardman Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Stability of the program

Kentucky has stability, but the Wildcats may be slightly too late. In fact, John Calipari and Co. got into the race about a week late and things could have been different if they joined at the same time as the Spartans. However, Illinois, another top contender, is far from stable at the moment.

Although the Illini did hire Brad Underwood, Oklahoma State and SFA Austin’s former head coach, they just don’t have the stability right now to attract a guy like Smith who’s looking for a home for four years. If he can’t trust that the head coach will be the same for his entire time, why commit to the program?

On the other hand, Michigan State has one of the most stable programs in college basketball. Izzo has been there for over two decades and he doesn’t plan on retiring any time soon — even though he is getting up there in age.

The Spartans also bring in a top recruiting class while the Illini just lost four-star center Jeremiah Tilmon, which had to be another nail in their coffin. Smith could choose to play for a Hall of Fame head coach and a loaded roster or a depleted roster for a first-year head coach.

Stability is key.

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