As recruits commit to their respective programs, let’s check in on a few of the players Michigan State basketball has targeted.
Already securing commits from four-star shooting guard Kur Teng and three-star Jesse McCulloch, Tom Izzo and Co. are moving along nicely with the 2024 Michigan State basketball recruiting class. Continuing to look forward, though, who else are they in pursuit of?
If you are an avid college basketball fan, you probably will recognize the following names. But, as recruits begin to commit to their respective programs, let’s check in on a few of the players Izzo has targeted and MSU’s odds of landing them.
Bryson Tucker, 6-foot-7 SF, 4-Star (No. 19 via ESPN)
Bryson Tucker is the highest target for Izzo and his staff. Tucker, who is a five-star on other recruiting sites, currently plays for IMG Academy in Florida and has plenty of offers to choose from. The 6-foot-7 small forward has an extremely polished jumper that should translate well to the next level. Along with his jumper, Tucker uses his size well to initiate contact and finish at the rim. Never rushed, he seems to always be under control, playing with an extremely high basketball IQ and instincts.
While MSU wasn’t the first to offer Tucker, Duke offered him in May while the Spartans didn’t offer until October of last year, it seems as though Michigan State may be the team to beat for him. He was reportedly impressed with the Spartans’ culture during his visit to campus last month. He feels as though his fast paced play would pair well in East Lansing. They will have to continue to beat out the likes of Duke and now possibly the professional route, ala Overtime Elite or Ignite, but I think MSU does so and Tucker plays in the Breslin next season.
Jase Richardson, 6-foot-3 CG, 4-Star (No. 36 via ESPN)
Richardson may not be as highly ranked as Tucker, but he brings with him the high pedigree that is his last name. Jase is the son of Michigan State legend Jason Richardson. His play includes a combination of facilitating for others while also getting to the basket with a highlight finish. Just a few weeks ago at the EYBL Peach Jam, Jase finished averaging 4.2 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 20.8 points per game all while shooting 56 percent from the field and a scorching 45 percent from deep.
As for the recruiting of Richardson, Jase is technically down to eight programs. Alabama, Arkansas, Cincinnati, Michigan State, SDSU, Stanford, USC, and Virginia have all made the cut. However, he recently told On3 that only four are truly prioritizing the 6-foot-3 combo guard. Even with USC and Virginia being heavily involved at first, they have seemingly dropped off and it’s down to Cincinnati, Alabama, MSU, and Stanford. With that being said, because of his ties to East Lansing, I think he will join Tucker and current commits Kur Teng and Jesse McCulloch in Michigan State’s 2024 class.
Aiden Sherrell, 6-foot-11 C, 4-Star (No. 24 via ESPN)
Ironically, the only hometown kid on this list might be the least likely to end up playing for Tom Izzo. Aiden Sherrell is a 6-foot-11 center from Detroit, now playing his high school ball at Prolific Prep in Napa Valley.
The second-highest ranked recruit via ESPN on this list, Sherrell is a prototypical stretch five. In today’s game, a stretch five has become more and more popular. Aiden has great size and length at 6-foot-11 but also has the ability to score away from the paint. He is actually connecting at a crazy 44.4% rate from 3-point range, which makes him an invaluable asset. His traditional downlow moves and rebounding could use some refining but his scoring away from the basket gives any head coach a great weapon either at the four or five.
As mentioned, Sherrell is a Detroit kid. Just last week he included MSU in his final five, and no doubt grew up watching Tom Izzo and the Spartans. With that being said, however, Aiden is expected to commit on Aug. 13, likely to Alabama. He would be a great steal for Izzo, as he could slide into the starting lineup if Xavier Booker decides to move on after just one season. I just don’t see it happening, unfortunately.
Tyler Betsey, 6-foot-8 SF, 4-Star (No. 56 via ESPN)
The second small forward on this list, Tyler Betsey comes in 37 spots higher than his position counterpart, Bryson Tucker. At 6-foot-8, Betsey has a great shooter’s frame to go along with a smooth, quick release. This make up helps him be the lethal 3-and-D prospect that he is. His range is elite and natural instincts allow him to play extremely seamlessly. Betsey will likely use his time in college working on getting to the basket and creating for himself. Adding that to his 3-and-D bag for the next level will benefit him greatly.
As is the case with all the names on this list, Betsey has a lengthy list of schools to choose from. With offers from programs such as Alabama, Auburn, Cincinnati, Duke, Iowa, Kansas, MSU, Nebraska, and Rutgers to name a few.
The 2022-2023 Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year seems to be in no rush for a commitment. Currently, UConn stands as the leader to land Tyler, as they are his home team. Both Indiana and Creighton still are being given a fighting chance, but unfortunately for the Spartans, Michigan State looks to be out of the running for this 3-and-D prospect.
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