Michigan State fans are no doubt looking forward to the stretch run of the season and thinking about another magical March.
But while that is front and center for Tom Izzo and the Spartans, one eye is always looking toward the future. In other words, recruiting is always on the front burner and one of the biggest prizes for the 2014 class reiterated his interest in Michigan State recently.
Jahlil Okafor, a 6-foot-9 junior from Chicago Whitney Young and the top-ranked recruit in the nation according to several recruiting sites, told Chicago Hoops he plans on visiting Michigan State some time after the season ends and said Izzo is often in contact with him.
“I think once the season ends there is one visit I plan on taking to Michigan State,” Okafor said. “Coach Izzo’s been on my back about getting down there. I love that guy, so I’m definitely going to get down there once the season ends.”
Okafor added he has spoken most with Izzo and Ohio State coach Thad Matta while Baylor, Kansas and Arizona have been the other schools he has talked with the most recently.
He also said once again it his intention to play with guard Tyus Jones, another top-five national recruit from Apple Valley, Minn. When an announcement might come is still up in the air.
“I was just thinking about that,” Okafor said. “My dad and I were talking about it with Tyus Jones. I’m not sure. I might want to do it before (my senior) season starts and get it over with or take my time and wait till after the season.”
As for the current Michigan State team, ESPN’s Joe Lunardi came out with his most recent Bracketology on Tuesday, and despite two losses last week, the Spartans are still projected as a No. 2 seed.
Lunardi has Michigan State in the West Region taking on No. 15 Montana in Auburn Hills. A win would it the Spartans against the winner of the 7/10 game between San Diego State and Iowa State. Gonzaga is the top seed in that region with Arizona at No. 3, Kansas State at No. 4 and Ohio State at No. 5.
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