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Michigan State basketball: Can Spartans land 4-star PF Carlos Johnson?

By Connor Muldowney

DES MOINES, IOWA - MARCH 23: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half in the second round game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on March 23, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
DES MOINES, IOWA - MARCH 23: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half in the second round game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on March 23, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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It took a while, but Tom Izzo and Michigan State basketball finally extended an offer to 2020 four-star power forward Carlos Johnson.

It’s hard to believe it’s taken this long. Michigan State had been keeping a close eye on four-star 2020 power forward Carlos Johnson for some time, but hadn’t extended an offer — until Monday.

https://twitter.com/scoobycm35/status/1110305070539771905

The talented forward from Benton Harbor, Mich., tweeted the good news and it begged the question, what took so long?

Tom Izzo does usually like to take his time when considering an offer to certain players and he has seen some growth from Johnson over the years. The 6-foot-6, 210-pound junior is more of a tweener as he probably wouldn’t play primarily power forward for the Spartans and rather more on the wing, but he’s aggressive enough to play down low.

Johnson plays with a chip on his shoulder and it’s what drew Izzo to him. He plays a Michigan State-style of basketball with physical defense, shot-blocking and he can step out and guard the perimeter, too, if need be.

Nicknamed “Scooby”, Johnson has had a few potential suiters, but none bigger than in-state rival Michigan who had already offered. Some believe he’s a lean toward the Wolverines, but this Michigan State offer could change things.

Scooby can do a little of everything such as run the floor, pass, rebound, shoot, drive and defend. He’s a do-it-all player with plenty of versatility, but can the Spartans reel him in despite offering so late in the process?

It all depends on his next visit(s) to East Lansing. There’s a reason he hasn’t narrowed down his options to this point and there aren’t a ton of schools pushing for a commitment right now. He’s still wide open and that gives Michigan State as good a chance as any — plus he fits right in to the Spartans’ style of play.

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Johnson is listed as the No. 106 recruit in the nation as well as the 19th-best power forward and No. 2 in-state prospect, according to 247Sports.

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