With one scholarship to fill for next year’s team, the MSU men’s basketball team is looking abroad to snag their last recruit.

Last week, staff from MSU made a trip to Europe to look at 6-foot-10 center Erazem Lorbek. If the Slovenia native chooses MSU, he will join forward Paul Davis, guard Maurice Ager, forward Delco Rowley and guard Rashi Johnson.

Hoop Scoop Online analyst Chris Johnson said Lorbek would be a great pickup for any team because he offers toughness, something European players normally shy away from.

“He’s a pretty strong kid,” Johnson said. “He likes to pound it inside - he’s a banger.”

Johnson said the 227-pounder has toughness and that intrigues teams like MSU, which plays in a tough, physical conference like the Big Ten.

Last year, the 17-year-old played on the 22-and-under European championship team.

During the International Junior Tournament in Barcelona, Spain, in January, Lorbek averaged 24.7 points per game to earn most valuable player honors.

Johnson said if Lorbek was in the United States, he would be a top 50 prospect.

“There is no doubt that he is an impact player - no doubt,” he said. “He’s played in the pressure situations before. He’s mature beyond his years.”

Lorbek started playing in a tournament in the Czech Republic on Wednesday and could not be reached for comment.

Other teams showing interest in Lorbek are UCLA, North Carolina and Hawaii.