Five-star point guard Antonio Pemberton committed to Michigan State on Friday during a live broadcast, choosing Tom Izzo’s program over seven other finalists. The 2027 class standout arrives in East Lansing as the Spartans actively shape their future backcourt for the post-Jeremy Fears Jr. era.
Michigan State basketball secured a major commitment for its future when five-star point guard Antonio Pemberton announced his decision live on the CBS Sports College Basketball channel. The 6-foot-1 prospect from Hanover, Massachusetts, chose the Spartans over a final group that included seven other major programs (Boston College, Creighton, Kansas, Marquette, Ohio State, Tennessee, and UCLA). Pemberton is ranked 20th overall in the 247Sports rankings for the 2027 class, earning five-star status as the top-ranked prospect in Massachusetts and Michigan State’s highest-ranked commit since Max Christie.
Grind Week and Recruitment Timeline
Pemberton’s decision followed a visit to East Lansing on Sept. 11 for the Spartans’ annual grind week. Although he maintained visits on his calendar with multiple finalists, he ultimately completed official visits only with Creighton, Kansas, Tennessee, and Michigan State before closing down his recruitment immediately after the alumni weekend. That swift decision led him to cancel upcoming planned visits to Marquette and Ohio State.
“When I was there on grind week, the energy, the love, the community, even the coaching staff on and off the court, that’s what pushed me to commit. And just the love from everybody at Michigan State was amazing.”
Antonio Pemberton, via Yahoo Sports
Tom Izzo, Doug Wojcik, and the Michigan State staff worked closely with Pemberton throughout the summer circuit. Playing on the Adidas 3SSB circuit, Pemberton averaged close to 24 points and 4.2 assists per game. As a junior at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, he posted averages of 17.0 points and 5.0 assists across 36 games.
Scouting Profile and Playing Style
247Sports Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein evaluated Pemberton as a tough-shot maker who relies on a pull-up game from mid-range and beyond the arc, utilizes a tight handle to create separation from defenders, and generates high-volume free-throw opportunities.
“You’re going to get a motor guard for sure, a dog, someone that just loves the game and someone who just wants to win every single day.”
Antonio Pemberton, via Yahoo Sports
The commitment also marks Michigan State’s third-straight recruiting win over Tennessee, following previous wins for Jasiah Jervis and Coen Carr.
Shaping the Post-Fears Backcourt
Pemberton arrives for the 2027-28 season as Michigan State rebuilds its backcourt for the post-Jeremy Fears Jr. era, having previously added five-star guard Jasiah Jervis and foundational point guard Carlos Medlock in the 2026 class. While Fears is technically eligible to return for the 2027-28 campaign after withdrawing from the 2026 NBA Draft in May, Adam Finkelstein noted on the broadcast that early indications suggest the program does not anticipate his return for that year. When Pemberton steps onto campus, the backcourt rotation could also feature guards Carlos Medlock Jr. and Kur Teng.
Ещё по этой теме
