Michigan State basketball: What would ideal 2025 recruiting class look like?

Tom Izzo and Michigan State basketball have recruited well over the past couple of cycles and 2025 should be no different.

Tom Izzo has been hard at work constructing the Michigan State basketball roster for 2024-25 but now that it’s set, he can focus on the 2025 recruiting class.

That’s right, Izzo secured two transfer commitments this offseason from Frankie Fidler and Szymon Zapala, addressing needs on the wing and with depth at center. Fidler is expected to start next season after averaging 20 points per game at Omaha this past year and Zapala will be a rotational piece at center. The two provide a much-needed boost to the 2024-25 roster.

ALSO READ: Predicting MSU’s 2024-25 rotation after Szymon Zapala commitment

But now that his 2024 recruiting class is signed and the transfers are locked in, who should Izzo target in 2025?

Assuming there will be three available scholarships (Jaden Akins, Zapala, Xavier Booker and/or transfer out?), Michigan State has some options to consider.

This would be my ideal three-man 2025 recruiting class for the Spartans:

• Jerry Easter, 5-star guard
• Trey McKenney, 5-star guard/small forward
• Niko Bundalo, 5-star power forward

I know what you’re saying: three five-star commitments seems unlikely, even for Izzo. And you’re probably right, but these are the guys who I feel have the best chance to commit to Michigan State this upcoming cycle.

Easter has had a solid relationship with Izzo and Michigan State for a while now. If you asked me last year who I expected to be the first commitment in the 2025 class for MSU, I probably would have said him. Some recruiting services are higher on him than 247Sports, but he’s technically a composite four-star, ranked No. 26 in the nation — 247Sports has him ranked No. 20. He’s a 6-foot-3, 200-pound combo guard who would be able to play a Tre Holloman-like role either running point or sliding into the two-guard spot.

McKenney is the recruit who I think I want the most. He’s the No. 12 recruit in the nation and the No. 2 small forward. He could also double as a shooting guard, but I see him playing on the wing either way. The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder from Flint just has that Spartan feel to him. Michigan State has to like where it stands with McKenney heading into the summer.

And lastly, Izzo has been putting the full-court press on five-star big man Niko Bundalo. He’s been watching him closely at Nike EYBL and it feels like this is his top priority in terms of post players. Bundalo would be a great pickup as he stretches the floor and can score from just about anywhere, and as a 6-foot-11 big, that’s huge. Imagine him in the post next to Xavier Booker if he returns or even Coen Carr. The athleticism (with either one) and floor-spacing (with Booker) would be massively beneficial.

If for some reason Michigan State basketball has four open spots, Jordan Scott is a recruit I’ve wanted for a while and he’d look good on the wing with his 6-foot-7, 185-pound frame.

After two straight top-15 classes, Izzo has a really good opportunity to make it three in a row.