Recruiting Class Preview: Michigan State's incoming duo is lethal
Michigan State dives into the Top-100 recruiting list every single year. Tom Izzo and his staff have proven their ability to reel in high-level recruits and it’s the reason why they’re good nearly every single season, with last year as an exception.
Last year, the Spartans reeled in one of the best three-man classes in the nation, one of the best classes overall, as well. Landing a McDonald’s All-American in Max Christie, and arguably two of the most underrated 2021 recruits in Jaden Akins and Pierre Brooks.
Over the last few years, it has been normal to see Michigan State freshmen getting thrown right into the mix and see first-year minutes. That pattern has continued this year as both Max Christie and Jaden Akins have seen valuable minutes. Pierre Brooks is a guy that Tom Izzo believes strongly in as well, could receive more minutes late in the season and lead into March.
Point is, going to Sparta means you have to be ready right when you arrive on campus.
This two-man class reeled in by Tom Izzo and Co. for 2022? They will be ready.
Tre Holloman.
One of the more ‘best-kept’ secrets in the entire class. When you talk about long and versatile at the guard spot, that screams Holloman. Not the tallest, not the strongest, Holloman is still lengthy and plays at a terrific pace. In addition, Holloman has taken a huge leap this year and has made drastic improvements to his game.
He looks much quicker overall and just his court vision, it’s spectacular. Holloman is averaging 11 assists a game this season, to go with 18 points per. He’s continuing to develop and is a lethal offensive threat, but, he’s also scary on the other end of the floor as well.
Holloman prides himself on the defensive end. Fun fact [that many know], Holloman also played defensive back in high school and was even considered a Power Five recruit. On D, you’ll see no shortage of energy from Holloman. His ability to read the passing lanes, notch a steal, or two, or three, or four (his season average this year in SPG), is exceptional.
We look at the guards that the Spartans have had over the last few seasons and well, Holloman should fit in nicely. When I discussed earlier that you must be ready right when you arrive in East Lansing, Holloman fits that M.O.
Jaxon Kohler.
A coach's dream, and I know basketball legend Julius V, his current coach, would probably agree with that statement.
Kohler is easily one of the best prospects in America, outside of being one of the top bigs. You want to talk about a high-level prospect on both ends, I mean Kohler will give you a variety of ways to score offensively. His post-game has improved every year as well, likely due to him having some of the best footwork at his position in his class.
Not many players with Kohler’s size can move and dribble how he does. When you think of a super-skilled big man that has guard tendencies, that screams Kohler. His main comparison from people is Nikola Jokic, which I feel makes tons of sense with the court vision, the footwork, and just the overall skillset.
Kohler has been known since his arrival with SFG in middle school, playing alongside Bronny James, Mikey Williams, Khoi Thurmon, just to name a few. He has remained consistent and has improved in some aspect almost every single year.
This season, Kohler has continued to fill out physically but also has made drastic improvements on both ends. Offensively, I feel as if his shooting from downtown has improved and he looks much more confident in taking that shot. He was already a multi-dimensional scorer, so making that shot consistent could be scary.
In conclusion,
Yes, it’s a two-man class, but a scary one. You’re getting a super talented guard in Tre Holloman, who is a perfect fit at the guard spot for Tom Izzo. Then you get a generational big man in Jaxon Kohler, who will get even better when he arrives in East Lansing.
Spartan faithful with a lot to look forward to following the season.