Future bright for Harris, MSU

Yes, Jabari Parker was a big-time receuit. It's true, Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo put an inordinate amount of time recruiting him. Yes, it was Duke that landed the big fish. Yep, the Spartans' 2013 recruiting class is looking like it will be a zero. But it hardly tells the story of the bigger picture, which is a future that is going to be bright for MSU's basketball program regardless.
That's because their freshman class is very good. Gary Harris has already shown flashes of brilliance despite some injury issues. Denzel Valentine is better than advertised. He has the type of all-around skills and leadership qualities that could make him a Draymond Green-Mateen Cleaves type of leader eventually. It's been forgotten, because he was slowed by a back injury, just how good a player Matt Costello is. Brendan Dawson is a sophomore. He might be the best player on the team. There will be senior leadership next year in Keith Appling and Adreian Payne. Not landing Parker, leaves more opportunity to recruit in the future, and also take in a special transfer, should one become available and fit MSU's program.
And there is a bottom line about Izzo that should always be remembered. He is as good a coach as there in the nation. He prepares his team as well as any coach in the country in March, when it really matters.
If the Spartans had landed Parker, they would been national champion contenders during his time in East Lansing. But they will be anyway.