Michigan State Basketball: 3 instant benefits from landing No. 1 recruit Emoni Bates

Landing Emoni Bates is a big deal for Michigan State basketball and the benefits from landing the nation’s No. 1 recruit are vast.

When Michigan State picked up a commitment from Emoni Bates on Monday, you could almost feel the electricity pulsating from East Lansing. Tom Izzo just picked up the biggest commitment of his career and a kid who has been dubbed “the best prospect since LeBron James”.

Obviously there was a good reason to be excited. He could end up donning the green and white in a year or two, depending on reclassification, and giving the program a boost on the court. He could turn the Spartans into national title favorites the second he steps foot onto campus, but the benefits he provides Michigan State reach far beyond wins and losses.

It may not have seemed like it at the moment of his commitment, but Bates just helped Michigan State basketball tremendously with the words “I’ll be committing to Michigan State”.

No, it wasn’t just a publicity stunt and yes, it’s very possible Bates actually suits up for Michigan State one day, but little did the high school junior know, he actually boosted the Spartan basketball program with his commitment in multiple ways, almost immediately.

What instant benefits did Emoni’s commitment have on MSU?