MSU Leads for 2014 Chicago PF Cliff Alexander

Following on a report from Wisconsin's 24/7 site($), Goin BASELINE has this story. Cliff Alexander, a highly coveted post prospect from Chicago, has named MSU his current leader. Though a lot can happen between now and his decision, Coach Izzo is good at keeping these sort of early leads. Alexander is currently the No. 9 sophomore overall on Rivals and No.13 on ESPN.

6 months ago intrpdtrvlr 12 comments 0 recs |

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Number of Scholarships for 2013 and 2014

Josh,

I saw this article as well and would be very happy to get a big guy with skills to add to the roster. I know a lot can change with transfers and early entrees but how many scholarships does MSU have for 13 and 14. I would love to start 14 with Alexander.

by MSUinMD on Nov 22, 2011 2:21 PM CST reply actions

Looks like either 2 or 3 open scholarships in 2013, and another 2 in 2014.

The 2 or 3 for 2013 depends on whether the scholarship vacated by Sherman gets filled with a late 2012 recruit.

http://michiganstate.247sports.com/Board/95/Updated-MSU-Scholarship-Recruiting-Chart-111011-2224588

by lesmanalim on Nov 22, 2011 2:32 PM CST up reply actions

I'm confident we're done for 2012

…unless another player leaves and/or Izzo has some Brandon Wood-esque opportunity. Still, the 2012 roster is currently loaded with the 12 scholarship players on-board. Even if we were to lose someone to the draft or transfer, I think the spot gets held and pushed down the line.

I think you’re misinterpreting the chart, lesmanalim. If MSU did add another player for 2012, that would actually cut the ‘13 spots to 1. That’s another reason I don’t believe it’ll happen.

Technically, we have two spots available in 2013 (open scholarship + Nix) and two in 2014 (Appling and Payne). What I keep saying is that as long as one of those ’13 spots is held for Jabari Parker, you can consider 3 spots open for ’14. Parker is a one-and-done. As always, Izzo will probably plan on attrition and over-recruit if need be. We were once all worried about a spot for Gary Harris but ended up with an extra.

I think the big question is how does Cliff Alexander influence MSU’s pursuit of Jahlil Okafor and, perhaps more importantly, Tyus Jones. How dedicated to playing together will Jones and Okafor stay? Would Okafor and Alexander consider coming in as freshman to the same school? How does Izzo like his shot at Jones/Okafor? Is Jones worth going an extra mile for a PG? At the end of the day, I don’t think the answers to any of those questions would stall Cliff Alexander becoming a Spartan if he wants to. Bird in the hand, y’know.

"And how much are intangibles worth? 10%? 20%?" - kj@theonlycolors

by intrpdtrvlr on Nov 22, 2011 2:42 PM CST up reply actions

whoops, you're right

should have said 1 or 2 in 2013. And I’d agree it’s mostly likely to be 2.

by lesmanalim on Nov 22, 2011 3:04 PM CST up reply actions

I'd personally prefer the Jones Okafor combo

Although perhaps this is an indication of some lack of interest on their part or Izzos.

by Loneytunes on Nov 22, 2011 4:13 PM CST up reply actions

Sure

I’d prefer a combination of a Top 5 post player and the best point guard in the country over Alexander too. I’m not sure Izzo can roll the dice thinking he has that option, though, if a player like Cliff Alexander wants to be a Spartan.

"And how much are intangibles worth? 10%? 20%?" - kj@theonlycolors

by intrpdtrvlr on Nov 22, 2011 4:39 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah, if Cliff wants to commit you don't hesitate and say yes

He would provide a shot blocker for us that we likely won’t have with Costello, Guana and Kenny. Although we could potentially have a ’2013 big recruit who would be a shot blocker.

by Stones1981 on Nov 22, 2011 6:18 PM CST up reply actions

I'm glad we're getting in on these top players, but...

…I think it’s such a shame that the recruiting process has to start so early – I mean the kid is only a sophomore! I recognize that it’s a necessary evil, but jeez it sucks.

"Everyone who drinks is not a poet. Maybe some of us drink because we're not poets." - Arthur Bach

by Spartan D on Nov 22, 2011 2:42 PM CST reply actions

I agree

Can you imagine trying to make these decisions when you were 15 or 16? But you’re right, it’s the way it is and isn’t stopping anytime soon. If anything, the new guidelines expand up how much, how early, and under what circumstances coaches can recruit.

"And how much are intangibles worth? 10%? 20%?" - kj@theonlycolors

by intrpdtrvlr on Nov 22, 2011 2:44 PM CST up reply actions

This kid sounds like Payne

As a defensive player, he’d be a nice fit in Izzo’s program. However, it would be nice to have a offensive threat down low and based on the article, he may not be the biggest offensive threat.

by elgoosh on Nov 22, 2011 3:31 PM CST reply actions

Another reason

to prefer Okafor and Jones: Offense AND Defense.

by Loneytunes on Nov 22, 2011 4:14 PM CST up reply actions

Preference

If Alexander wants to commit early, we slap him on the back and say welcome to the family.

The Jones/Okafor recruitment is going to take a long time. If we wait, we may lose out on everyone. Izzo, from what I’ve seen, is targeted in recruiting. I don’t want to be in a scramble in a worst case scenario. Also, there are going to be heavy hitters involved for those two. Finally, package deals are weird. Who knows I’d those guys will want the same thing in two years.

I do think whenever the millionaire slap fight called the nba lockout is over, it will be a two and through rule. I wouldn’t bank on any 1 and done to open a ship.

by msuduster on Nov 23, 2011 9:01 AM CST via mobile reply actions