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

3. Building the Michigan State basketball brand

If there’s one obvious boost Emoni Bates’ commitment did for the program, it was helping to build that Michigan State brand.

We hear all the time that Michigan State is a regional brand — mostly from our Ann Arbor siblings — but this commitment not only brought immediate national attention to the Spartans, but it made Tom Izzo and Co. look like one of ‘those teams’ that always contend for top recruits.

Though Izzo has missed out on his fair share of elite recruits over the years, he won the recruiting battle that mattered and the one that could build his brand the most.

Think about it, even if Emoni never actually plays a minute of college basketball at Michigan State, he will always be tied to the program. He just gave Michigan State a ton of brand recognition and the fact that “the best high school prospect since LeBron James” pledged his allegiance to the Spartans is huge for the program.

This goes even beyond basketball as Michigan State’s brand grew with his commitment. Not only will this help generate revenue (especially when kids can benefit from their likeness and in turn boost recruiting), but it will also add some respect onto the Michigan State name.