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Javon Bess Commits to Michigan State

Michigan State added a wing to their 2014 recruiting class with the addition of Columbus native Javon Bess.

By Bryan Steedman

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USA TODAY Sports

Michigan State added their second commit to it's 2014 class this week with the news that Javon Bess has committed to the program. Bess joins point guard Lourawls Nairn and is a three star prospect out of Columbus. Before committing to the Spartans he fielded offers from a variety of schools, including Kansas State, Xavier and Dayton. Bess informed his high school Monday of the news that he had committed to Michigan State.

Bess is an interesting option as he's capable of playing either the two or the three spot and there's even been talk of him playing the four, though he'd likely have to add at least another inch or two. The biggest issue with Bess is he hasn't been a very potent perimeter shooter, potentially making Bess an offensive liability. While he struggles from outside, Bess is fully capable of attacking the bucket and scoring points inside. He's also a capable passer and should provide some defense for Izzo.

Highlights of Bess are below:

Bess's high school coach Tony Staib had the following to say about him after he announced his decision to play at Michigan State:

He fits the DNA profile of a Michigan State, Big Ten player, he's tough, he's a tremendous rebounding guard, he defends really hard and defends really well. He can guard multiple positions. He's athletic enough to guard a point guard, and he's big and strong and tough enough to guard a small four. Those things right there I think really fit the profile of a Michigan State basketball player.

Even with the addition of Bess to their 2014 class, Michigan State will likely still be on the recruiting trail targeting some of the more elite options. As of now the Spartans are still trying to reel in several prospects, including Devin Booker, James Blackmon and Trevon Bluiett. The addition of Bess could very well act as an insurance policy if Michigan State strikes out on some of their targets and should be a capable enough player to compliment any of the above options. He's not the flashiest player on the court, but there's still time for him to develop and it wouldn't be the first time Michigan State has struck gold with a three star recruit.

Either way, the Spartans could be set for a sizable recruiting class in 2014 (even more so if Harris departs for the NBA as anticipated) so expect a handful of additional commitments over the next several months.

More Michigan State links below:

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