Michigan State Basketball: Jaden Akins may have just earned a fifth star

Michigan State basketball signee Jaden Akins got to show the nation just why he deserves more respect on Thursday night.

Anyone who tuned into ESPN 2 on Thursday night not only got a show but also a glimpse at the future of Michigan State basketball.

Chet Holmgren, the No. 1 prospect in 2021, faced off against Emoni Bates, the No. 1 player in the 2022 class, as well as four-star point guard signee Jaden Akins. It was the perfect appetizer for college basketball season as fans from around the nation got to see what the future looks like. For Spartan fans, it was a little more personal.

Bates committed to Michigan State over the summer, setting off a domino effect, leading to commitments from Max Christie, Enoch Boakye and Jaden Akins.

Now, Akins and Bates are teammates at Ypsi prep and will be developing some chemistry before getting to Michigan State. If Thursday night was any indication, Michigan State landed the perfect point guard to lead the 2021 class.

Akins was beaming confidence all game long against Team Sizzle, led by the No. 1 player in 2021, and wasn’t afraid to take it at the 7-footer. He was hitting step-back threes and jumpers and his intensity on the defensive end was something that Tom Izzo is going to love.

If Rocket Watts does have a breakout year and then head to the NBA early, Akins will be that perfect replacement at the point guard spot, dripping with athleticism and confidence.

It was clear to just about anyone who tuned in to see Holmgren vs. Bates that one guy stood out above the rest: Akins.

Don’t be surprised if he skyrockets in the next recruiting rankings update. We may even see a fifth star in his future.