Busting Brackets
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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 – JANUARY 13: Head coach Tom Izzo, Associate Head Coach Dwayne Stephens and Assistant Coach Dane Fife of the Michigan State Spartans look on. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 13: Head coach Tom Izzo, Associate Head Coach Dwayne Stephens and Assistant Coach Dane Fife of the Michigan State Spartans look on. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

PF Marcus Bingham Jr. – Grand Rapids, MI

The top 2018 commit for Michigan State, Marcus Bingham Jr. (No. 64) is an intriguing college talent. At 6-foot-10 with elite-level athleticism, Bingham projects as a future star at the college level. Although he definitely needs to get stronger and bigger before excelling for the Spartans, there will be plenty of time for him to develop. In fact, Bingham, despite being the highest-rated commit, might be one of the least likely to receive major minutes as a freshman.

This is due to the fact that the Michigan State frontcourt is already jam-packed. With players like Nick Ward, Xavier Tillman, and Kenny Goins already taking up plenty of minutes, it might be difficult for Bingham to find a consistent role right away. Regardless, the future is bright for this young man in a Spartans’ uniform. This is largely due to the fact that he already brings a versatile game for his height.

While it is clear that Bingham still has some developing to do, there are reasons why he was ranked within the nation’s top-100 for the recruiting class. Most notably, Bingham plays like a guard despite standing at nearly seven feet. He has a tight handle for his size and can break defenders down off the dribble. In addition, he has a reliable shooting touch and is a surprisingly creative playmaker. He also flashes excellent timing as a shot-blocker and can match up well on the perimeter.

Next: Preseason Big Ten rankings

As per usual, many are expecting Michigan State to be the top team in the Big Ten this season. While the main reason for this may be the talent returning to East Lansing, this incoming recruiting class doesn’t hurt. Who will be the breakout star of the future from this group?

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