Big Ten Basketball: Breaking down each program’s 2018 recruiting class

Michigan State Spartans

Class rankings: 3rd in Big Ten, 14th nationally

Commitments: Marcus Bingham Jr. (61), Foster Loyer (88), Gabe Brown (94), Aaron Henry (128), Thomas Kithier (150)

Traditionally the top program in the Big Ten, Michigan State is looking to reload with this recruiting class. Unlike years in the past, head coach Tom Izzo is bringing in more top-tier talent compared to developing his rosters over the course of several years. While there will be a substantial amount of returning talent heading into 2018-19, two of the top players will be gone. Both Miles Bridges and Jaren Jackson Jr. are headed to the NBA and they will not be easy to replace.

All five of MSU’s class of 2018 recruits rank in the top-150 nationally. As far as filling the holes left by Bridges and Jackson, there are a few recruits that could step in nicely. For starters, point guard Foster Loyer will help make up for the loss of Lourawls Nairn. Most notably, 6’9″ Gabe Brown and 6’10” Marcus Bingham Jr. will be valuable members of the rotation. Regardless of whether or not they are starting or coming off the bench, you can expect that these two will see plenty of playing time.

In addition, wings Aaron Henry and Thomas Kithier will fight for minutes. It might be difficult for both to find minutes considering the returning talent and other recruits but these wings are talented in their own right. Henry (6’5″) and Kithier (6’8″) both have quality size to play at the college level already.