Michigan State Basketball: Top 3 targets after Emoni Bates commitment

Jaden Akins was close to being the No. 1 prospect on Michigan State’s board left in either class, but there’s a five-star who holds that distinction right now.

However, the position that Akins plays is more important than people realize. If Michigan State is unable to land Karim Mane, picking up a commitment from Akins will be all that much more important — unless Mane is projected as a sure-fire one-and-done prospect. Michigan State will need a point guard to help replace Cassius Winston in 2021-22 and give Rocket Watts a break.

Sure, there will be some pressure on AJ Hoggard to be that backup point guard but he could also play the two which would allow Akins to step up as the one.

The Farmington-native is one of the best point guards in the country (No. 10 in the composite) and is the No. 71 overall prospect in the nation. He’s joining Ypsilanti Prep Academy to be teammates with Emoni Bates in 2020-21 so that could help the Spartans’ chances.

There are some experts who believe Michigan State is the heavy favorite to land Akins.