Four-Star Point Guard Commits to Michigan State Spartans, Reveals Two Strong Reasons Behind His Decision — “Coach Izzo’s Vision Sold Me”……

The Michigan State Spartans have added a major piece to their basketball future, landing four-star point guard Carlos Medlock Jr., one of the top floor generals in the class of 2026. The talented playmaker from Link Academy in Missouri announced his commitment to Tom Izzo’s program on Thursday afternoon, choosing the Spartans over offers from Kansas, Illinois, and Alabama.

For Michigan State fans, Medlock’s decision represents more than just another highly touted addition — it’s a statement that the Spartans continue to be one of the nation’s most respected destinations for developing elite guards. Known for his leadership, creativity, and poise, Medlock has been a rising star on the national stage. His commitment adds depth, excitement, and a new sense of momentum to the Spartans’ recruiting class.

In an exclusive interview after his announcement, Medlock revealed two major reasons for choosing Michigan State: his trust in Coach Tom Izzo’s long-term vision and the family-like atmosphere that he felt in East Lansing.

> “Coach Izzo’s vision sold me,” Medlock said. “He didn’t just talk about basketball — he talked about building me as a man, as a leader, and as someone who can impact the program. The whole Michigan State family made me feel like I belong there.”

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A Huge Recruiting Win for Tom Izzo

Tom Izzo has long been known for developing guards who flourish at the college and professional levels — from Mateen Cleaves and Kalin Lucas to Cassius Winston and, more recently, A.J. Hoggard and Tyson Walker. With Medlock now on board, Izzo has secured another potential program cornerstone who can carry on that legacy.

Recruiting analysts describe Medlock as a “true point guard” — a floor leader who combines vision, toughness, and control. At 6-foot-2, he uses his speed and intelligence to break down defenses, create opportunities for teammates, and finish through contact. His court awareness and ability to command the game’s tempo have drawn comparisons to some of Izzo’s best guards of the past two decades.

“Medlock is one of the most complete guards in the 2026 class,” said a 247Sports analyst. “He’s the kind of player who can change a program’s identity. His leadership, composure, and competitive nature fit perfectly in Michigan State’s system.”

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The First Reason: Coach Izzo’s Vision

The first reason Medlock cited for his commitment was Coach Tom Izzo’s vision for him and the program.

During the recruiting process, Izzo personally visited Link Academy several times and built a close relationship with Medlock and his family. According to the young guard, Izzo was direct and honest from the very beginning — never overpromising but always emphasizing growth, discipline, and accountability.

> “Coach Izzo told me exactly how I’d fit into the system,” Medlock explained. “He didn’t sugarcoat anything. He talked about how I could be the next great Spartan point guard if I put in the work. That meant a lot to me because I know he believes in developing players, not just recruiting them.”

For Izzo, Medlock represents the kind of player he loves to coach — tough-minded, team-oriented, and eager to learn. In a statement following the commitment, Izzo praised Medlock’s maturity and competitiveness.

> “Carlos is a special young man,” Izzo said. “He plays the game the right way — unselfish, confident, and with a love for competing. I’m excited about what he’ll bring to our program and our culture.”

That focus on development and vision has long been a cornerstone of Michigan State basketball. Players who buy into the system often grow into stars, both on the court and in life — something that deeply resonated with Medlock and his family.

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The Second Reason: The Family Atmosphere

The second reason Medlock pointed to was the family atmosphere he experienced during his visit to East Lansing.

> “From the moment I walked on campus, everyone treated me like family,” Medlock said. “It wasn’t just about basketball — it was about people. The players, the coaches, the fans — they all have each other’s backs. That’s the kind of environment I want to be in.”

Medlock’s visit included time with current and former Spartan players, who spoke about the brotherhood that defines Michigan State basketball. The tight-knit culture, forged over decades under Izzo’s leadership, continues to be one of the program’s biggest selling points.

“Michigan State has always been a family-oriented program,” said one recruiting insider. “Izzo doesn’t just build teams — he builds relationships. That’s why players like Medlock feel so connected before they even arrive on campus.”

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What Medlock Brings to the Spartans

On the court, Medlock is expected to bring energy, leadership, and playmaking to the Spartans’ offense. He excels at pushing the pace, creating for teammates, and locking down defensively — traits that align perfectly with Izzo’s style of basketball.

At Link Academy, Medlock averaged 15.7 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game last season, guiding his team to a national tournament appearance. His combination of confidence, control, and competitiveness has made him one of the most respected guards in high school basketball.

“Carlos is a floor general,” one of his coaches said. “He’s not just trying to score — he’s trying to win. That’s what makes him special.”

With Medlock’s commitment, Michigan State’s 2026 class is off to a strong start. His presence could help attract other top-tier recruits who want to play alongside a dynamic point guard and a Hall of Fame coach.

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Looking Ahead

As Medlock prepares for his senior season, he remains focused on improvement and leadership. While the spotlight on him will continue to grow, he’s determined to stay grounded and committed to the principles that brought him to this point.

> “I’m ready to put in the work,” Medlock said. “This is just the beginning. I want to make Spartan Nation proud.”

For Michigan State fans, those words are music to their ears. With a proven winner like Carlos Medlock Jr. leading the next generation, the future in East Lansing looks as bright as ever.