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Michigan State basketball needs to put full-court press on 5-star PF Kijani Wright

By Connor Muldowney

COLLEGE PARK, MD - FEBRUARY 28: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans watches the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on February 28, 2021 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD - FEBRUARY 28: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans watches the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on February 28, 2021 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /
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A rumor was going around Michigan State Twitter on Thursday night after a well-connected account tweeted that there would be a surprise commitment from a big West Coast recruit on Friday afternoon. There was chatter that it might either be a Jaden Hardy decision or maybe Kijani Wright. The latter would have an impact on the Spartans.

It was just a guess that it could have been Wright to Michigan State, but obviously, it was a long-shot to happen given that he just came out with a top seven and it’s not a given that he plans to reclassify to 2021.

The idea of landing Wright and having him reclassify to 2021 made just too much sense and it would have been the best use of an open scholarship by Tom Izzo and the Spartans so the rumor picked up some steam because fans wanted to believe it.

Michigan State could use a power forward to start alongside Marcus Bingham Jr. in the post and Wright would be the best possible option outside of the transfer portal.

Michigan State basketball needs to put on full-court press

Wright is the No. 11 prospect in the 2022 class and second-best power forward, according to the 247Sports Composite. He’s the best option on Michigan State’s board for power forward and if he’s leaning toward reclassification, Tom Izzo needs to make him priority No. 1.

The Spartans found their point guard in Tyson Walker from Northeastern, shooting guard in Max Christie, and a small forward rotation of Gabe Brown and Pierre Brooks. The center spot should be solid with Bingham Jr., Julius Marble, and Mady Sissoko but there’s no clear starter at power forward.

Malik Hall is the top option right now, but it wouldn’t be terrible to add Wright to the rotation with him and Joey Hauser. That’s the depth the Spartans need in the post.

If Izzo wants to contend for a Big Ten title again in 2021-22, he needs to make sure Wright is a Spartan and he reclassifies.

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