Spartans get Green

After a verbal pledge last year, a coaching change shortly thereafter and a de-commitment, Michigan forward Draymond Green is finally enjoying some stability. The 6-foot-7, 230-pound power forward from Saginaw (Mich.) High School is staying in his home state to play college basketball.

Green, the No. 78 ranked player in the class of 2008, announced at a press conference at his school that he will suit up for the Michigan State Spartans on Thursday afternoon.

"He decided 10 minutes before he walked through the door for press conference," Saginaw head coach Lou Dawkins said. "For him to play at a program 70 miles away that won a National Championship recently and that put players into the next level, I think that is pretty eye-catching for a young man."

Green verbally committed to Kentucky when Tubby Smith was still the head coach of the SEC program. Once Smith left for Minnesota, Green opted to look around at his options. Ultimately, Michigan State, Michigan and Indiana were his final three.

"All three programs did a great job with him," Dawkins said. "I tip my hat to all three."

Michigan State now has a trio of commitments in the class of 2008. Green joins five-star forward Delvon Roe and combo guard Korie Lucious from Milwaukee. Green is the highest rated player in Michigan's 2008 class by Rivals.com. Green led Saginaw High School to a state championship last year.

"With the players that Tom Izzo has coming in for 2007 and 2008, he should be able to have a team that looks a lot like the one that won the National Championship," Dawkins said. "Draymond should be able to do a lot of things for them much like he does for us. He's a banger down low but also skilled enough to handle the ball or bring it up. Draymond is such a great passer in the halfcourt, too. He's got a great comfort level on the floor."