Spartan Hoopla: Garry Harris Is On Michigan State's 2012 Wish List

Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo is recruiting high-profile prep stars with a vengeance these days. 

He's loaded for 2011, and looks to extend his good fortunes for years to follow.

With Kalin Lucas set to graduate in 2011, the Spartans will have to find another savvy ball-handler with blazing speed. Not that Keith Appling, who arrives this season, won't be that, but it's never a bad idea to stock up.

And Hamilton Southeastern's 6-foot-4, 195-pound Gary Harris could help solidify the guard-spot in 2012.

Harris averaged 14 points and five rebounds during his sophomore season at Hamilton Southeastern. The five-star recruit led the Royals to a 17-4 campaign in 2010.

Harris already has connections to Michigan State's assistant coach Mike Garland.

"Mike Garland, he was the first person to start talking to me," Harris told Spartan Nation.com. "Him and my AAU coach are pretty close. I've only heard great things about coach Garland...he's a real good guy, and we have a pretty good relationship."

And of course, the Spartans' Final Four runs are a plus for Harris, who has been offered scholarships by several schools, some of which include: 2010 national runner-up Butler, Cincinnati, Illinois, and Ohio State.

"Oh! He is a phenomenal coach," Harris said in reference to Izzo. "He knows how to win. He's been to six of the past 12 Final Fours. I mean, that's enough in itself. He knows how to win."

Florida and Louisville have reportedly shown interest in the soon-to-be junior.

The Spartans have established a reputation of boasting some the nation's top guards over the last two decades.

And Harris' skill set could continue the tradition.

“Harris is more athletic than we’ve given credit for and he looked flat out explosive soaring for rebounds and dunks in the open court," said Scout.com analyst Evan Daniels in reference to Harris' play at the Adidas May Classic.

"He showed the full scoring package on Sunday, scoring off deep jumpers, mid-range pull-ups for drives to the rim.”

Harris would be a welcome addition to the 2012 class. Kenny Kaminski, a three-star rated, 6-foot-7 and 215-pound small forward from Medina, Ohio committed to Michigan State on July 31.

Click here for Harris' highlight tape.