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

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 18: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts during the first half against the Syracuse Orange in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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A program-changing talent like Vernon Carey Jr. doesn’t come around quite often. Miles Bridges was supposed to be that for the Spartans and even though he was an All-American and great advocate for Michigan State, he didn’t quite bring Michigan State to the national title level. That’s not a knock on Bridges, by any means, but he just couldn’t seem to be a ‘selfish’ player.

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Carey Jr. could be a different type of selfish for the Spartans. He could be a dominant figure in the post with his 6-foot-9, 245-pound frame. He’s a big kid, but most of his size comes from muscle, so don’t let the 245 pounds throw you off.

The No. 1 player in the 2019 class has been considering a reclassification and it’d make sense for the Spartans if Nick Ward decided to leave his name in the NBA draft.

The Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native is ranked the No. 1 power forward in the class and could be just what the Spartans need to add to either the 2018 or 2019 teams.

Next: MSU's projected post-spring game depth chart

Miami is the hometown favorite, but both Duke and Michigan State are up there on his list of top teams. North Carolina, Kansas and Kentucky are also pushing for Carey Jr. which makes Michigan State’s pitch that much more important.

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