Michigan State Basketball: Constructing ideal 2021 recruiting class

A generational Michigan State basketball prospect

There will likely only be three spots open for scholarships with Michigan State, assuming Xavier Tillman and Aaron Henry return for 2020-21. That would mean those two guys are gone — most likely for Henry — and also Josh Langford. For there to be another open spot for a fourth commitment, the Spartans will need to have someone transfer out (very possible) or guys like Rocket Watts or Joey Hauser declaring for the draft early.

But if Emoni Bates wants to play for the Spartans next season, assuming he reclassifies, Tom Izzo and Co. will find a spot for him. This is the type of prospect you drop everything to land.

Bates is the No. 1 prospect in the 2022 class and even if he were to reclassify to 2021, he would likely be the nation’s top player. He’s considered the best high school prospect since LeBron James and the hype surrounding his game is second to none.

There’s been talk about his interest in Michigan State if he were to go the college route and now that players can be paid for their likeness, there’s a chance that could sweeten the deal as opposed to a year in the G-League.

If Izzo was able to land the 6-8, 200-pound small forward from Ypsilanti, that would easily make the Spartans’ 2021 class No. 1 in the country.