Michigan State Basketball Recruiting: Breaking Down Spartans' 2016 Wish List

Tom Izzo is still working on his 2015 class. But it wouldn't hurt to take a look at the guys he could have lined up for 2016. 

The veteran Michigan State coach doesn't have anyone attached to his next, next class, but that'll probably change soon, as he's already played host to a few prospects during unofficial visits. 

According to Verbal Commits, the Spartans have five open scholarships for 2016. Izzo has made seven offers, the site says. This slideshow will cover a green-and-white "wish list," with players appearing based on factors such as fit and interest. 

How About V.J. King?

Back in the day, Izzo courted a small forward out of St. Vincent-St. Mary in Akron, Ohio. However, he didn't get him. In fact, not one college coach could get him. Instead, he jumped immediately to the NBA and hasn't looked back since. 

That player was LeBron James. 

Now, V.J. King is no LeBron, but he does attend James' high school. King, a 6'5", 175-pound shooting guard/winger, could be the next great thing out of Akron. If not "great," he could end up being very good, which would be enough for Izzo. 

According to 247Sports, King is the No. 2-ranked shooting guard of his class (No. 17 overall). Michigan State offered Sept. 7 and has been interested in him for nearly two years. But signs, particularly 247Sports' Crystal Ball, point to Ohio State. 

Kentucky, Arizona and Cal, among others, are also in the mix. 

It's not over until it's over. Circumstances can change, so don't totally dismiss the chances of King going to Michigan State. It just may not be too likely.

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Brian Pelletier's great edit of @Phenom_Hoops alum VJ King (@VJKing13) of @PVIHoops repping his time with #TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/dWOzLABDVJ

— Jamie Shaw (@JamieShaw5) August 12, 2014"

Cassius Winston Is of High Priority

Cassius Winston is considered one of the best recruits in Michigan. According to 247Sports, he's actually No. 2. But who's counting? 

At 6'0" and 175 pounds, the Detroit Jesuit star is slightly undersized, but that rarely deters Izzo, who has recruited much smaller point guards in the past: Tyler Ulis, a 5'8" super mini who committed to Kentucky, and Lourawls "Tum-Tum" Nairn, a 5'10" speedster who accepted the offer. 

Winston can pass, which is required for a point guard. However, besides that, he's a decent drive-and-score kind of guy who reminds me a little bit of Keith Appling in that regard. Appling wasn't a rim-rocker by any stretch. He could get up every now and then, but he was most effective while floating to the basket. 

There is a lot of that in Winston, who needs to bulk up and get more physical before he hits college. That was the case with Appling as well. The 4-star prospect has an offer from Michigan, among others, but is said to have "warmer" interest in the Spartans, per 247Sports. 

The Crystal Ball has him going to East Lansing too. He visited Aug. 29.

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Izzo has liked Cassius Winston for years. Find out what Winston likes about #MSU. Paul Konyndyk writes from Ft Wayne: http://t.co/tYsKN9WdyH

— Jim Comparoni (@JimComparoni) May 4, 2014"

Could Josh Langford Be an Option?

Madison Academy (Alabama) star Josh Langford seems to be an outside shot for Michigan State. That's the popular talk right now. But this is a wish list, so he's making the cut anyway. 

The 6'6", 200-pounder can play the 1, the 2 and the 3. Having a versatile scorer, rebounder, defender and distributor makes coaches happy, and logic says that Izzo would jump for joy if Langford chose to go green. 

He visited Michigan on Aug. 8 and has "warm" interest in the school. The same is true for Kansas, says 247Sports, but the Crystal Ball is predicting Duke at the moment. Your guess is as good as any. 

But that's not keeping the Spartans from pursuing him. They're due to visit the 5-star prospect soon.

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Memphis & Michigan State will be in to see 2016 G Josh Langford of Madison Academy (AL) per @BAMAMIXTAPE http://t.co/eesqilo2YX

— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) September 11, 2014"

Nick Ward Is Crafty

Izzo appears to have an in when it comes to nabbing Nick Ward, who attends the same high school as 2014 commit Javon Bess. 

Ward, a 6'9", 235-pound junior, is the No. 14-ranked power forward of 2016. Honestly, that ranking seems a little low for a player with such size and skill. Ward reminds me of a lighter, more agile version of Derrick Nix. Plus Ward has a mean left, which was Nix's obvious strength. 

With more work, Ward could reach 5-star heights by the time he signs his letter of intent. Kentucky, Kansas and Duke aren't involved yet, but they could be. That's why it's important for Michigan State to establish an early lead. According to 247Sports, it has. The Spartans are the favorites, says the almighty Crystal Ball. 

Izzo recently popped in to say hello to Ward, per Prep Hoops OH (Ohio). 

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'16 Gahanna Lincoln PF/C Nick Ward was visited by Michigan State coach Tom Izzo this morning before school.

— Zach Fleer (@ZachFleerLGHL) September 9, 2014"

Flint and Michigan State Just Fit

"Flintstones" and Michigan State go together like peas and carrots. With that said, Miles Bridges, who was made in Vehicle City but tuned up in West Virginia, would be a perfect fit all the way around.

Izzo has raved about Flint players' "toughness" for years. They helped him win his lone national title in 2000. Needless to say, he's quite fond of the area. Bridges was an up-and-coming star at Southwestern before he transferred to Huntington Prep, the proving ground of several collegiate stars. 

It just makes sense to put him on this wish list. 

At 6'6" and 210 pounds, Bridges is ideal for the inside-outside game. He can do it all. Back when I coached at Southwestern (JV baseball), I witnessed Bridges, then in either seventh or eighth grade, own upperclassmen in the gym on a regular basis. He was beyond his years then.

Today, he's bigger and stronger. 

According to 247Sports, Bridges is the No. 3-ranked small forward of his class (No. 24 overall). The 5-star kid is a great scorer and can leap with just about anyone. Above the rim may be his forte, but due to his physical style and agility, he's also a lethal finesse artist. 

Back in December, Bridges enjoyed his visit to Michigan State. He told Adam Zagoria that Izzo left him with words of encouragement. 

“[Izzo said] If I keep on working I have a chance to come in and play a lot," Bridges relayed. 

However, Iowa State may become a major player in his recruitment. The Cyclones have Monte Morris, a Flint native, and it's clear he's pretty familiar with Bridges.

He dazzled during the summer, so don't be surprised to see another wave of potential suitors come calling.

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2016 SF Miles Bridges has no shortage of athleticism. Showing out in front of Kansas, Michigan, Michigan State, NC State & others.

— Derek Piper (@DerekPiperBSH) July 17, 2014"

Follow Bleacher Report's Michigan State Spartans basketball writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81