Michigan State Basketball: 5 must-have recruiting targets in 2019 class

Michigan State has some big-time targets on the board in the 2019 recruiting class, but which five stand out as must-haves.

The 2019 recruiting class has yet to be filled, but Michigan State’s first commitment may not be all that far off. There are about 5-7 guys on the board who are realistically considering the Spartans, but five who stand out above the rest.

Michigan State is looking at a potentially-elite 2019 recruiting class which could top anything Tom Izzo has ever assembled in East Lansing. If Nick Ward leaves before the 2019 class hits campus, that could open up another scholarship for Izzo to use on this talented crop.

Here are the five targets we should be keeping an eye on in the 2019 class.

A name that may have slipped off the radar in recent months is Rocket Watts. The four-star guard from Detroit Old Redford happens to be slightly undersized to play the two-guard position and maybe not polished enough to play point.

Watts stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 180 pounds, but he’s one heck of a slasher. He’s not afraid to take it to the hole and draw fouls or just go at defenders in one-on-one situations in the fast break. He’s aggressive and his offensive game is strong.

Although his size may be a concern, he could fit in well as a wing for the Spartans and handle some of the point guard responsibilities along with Foster Loyer and Cassius Winston, if need be.

The Detroit-native ranks as the No. 57 prospect in the class and the fifth-best shooting guard, per 247Sports. There’s no indication of where he may be leaning right now, but Michigan State and Michigan are up there for his services — Tom Izzo paid him a visit on April 8.