Busting Brackets
Fansided

Michigan State Basketball: Breaking down the 2018 recruiting class

By Lukas Harkins

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 23: Michigan State Spartans mascot entertains the fans during a time out against the Maryland Terrapins in the second half at the Breslin Center on January 23, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 23: Michigan State Spartans mascot entertains the fans during a time out against the Maryland Terrapins in the second half at the Breslin Center on January 23, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 10: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 10: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

PF Thomas Kithier – Macomb, MI

Thomas Kithier may have missed his final high school season due to an eligibility issue between two schools but that does not mean the fanbase should be any less excited about bringing him in. An in-state recruit, the 6-foot-8 power forward comes in ranked at No. 179 in the 2018 class. Kithier is a versatile big man who shows the willingness to compete at a high level on both ends of the floor.

Offensively, Kithier is a prototypical modern forward in that he can score both inside and out. He has a variety of post moves around the basket that includes a nice post fadeaway. In addition, he is a solid shooter from 3-point range. At his size, being able to be a threat from 3-point range makes him an incredibly valuable offensive player. This shooting allows him to spread the floor in general and benefit the entire offense for Michigan State once he arrives.

On the defensive end of the floor, Kithier might not be tremendous but he functions well within a system. He has plenty of athleticism and size to keep up with other forwards but he does not project as a switchable defender. In addition, he has spent the past year practicing (not eligible to play) alongside another Michigan State commit, Foster Loyer (more on him later).

The Spartans are already pretty stacked at forward for next year considering the returns of Nick Ward, Kenny Goins, and Xavier Tillman but maybe Kithier can still find a role. In today’s game, shooting and floor spacing matters. Kithier would certainly help on both fronts.

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