MSU basketball head coach Tom Izzo has only three scholarships available for his 2003-04 roster.
But the limited number of slots didn't stop Izzo from bringing in two highly-rated guards and a big man.
Today is college basketball National Signing Day and Shannon Brown, Brandon Cotton and Drew Naymick are expected to break out the ink in MSU's favor.
"It's about as efficient as you can be in using three scholarships," said Dave Telep, director of scouting for TheInsidersHoops.com. "I have all three of those guys in my top 50."
Izzo can't talk about the three recruits until their names are scratched onto paper, but Telep said Izzo should be feeling pretty good. He has MSU's class ranked No. 4 nationally, after Arizona, Louisville and Mississippi State.
Brown, a 6-foot-3 point guard from Proviso East High in Maywood, Ill., is ranked No. 10 overall in the country on the Rivals.com Top 100 and first among point guards.
Telep, who said he sees Brown as more of a shooting guard, said he is the best prospect at his position. He has high school phenom LeBron James listed as a small forward.
"Shannon is just a big time athlete," Telep said. "He's very explosive, and he knows how to score."
Cotton, a 6-foot-1 shooting guard from Detroit DePorres, is No. 31 on Rivals.com.
"Brandon can get his own shot," Telep said. "He'll be able to play the combo guard role for them. Here's a guy who can just put up points and that is a valuable commodity."
Naymick is a 6-foot-10 center from North Muskegon High. Naymick said a big reason he chose to commit to MSU is because of the recent history.
"I like the success they've had under Izzo and the attitude of the basketball team - the hard work and positive attitude," Naymick said.
He said he's a better inside player, but if asked to step outside he can do it.
"I work on my outside shooting, but it's not something I'm going to do frequently," he said. "But I have some confidence in my ability."
Telep said Naymick can step in and make an impact.
"A lot of kids physically won't be ready to come into the Big Ten as freshmen to play the power forward and center spots," he said. "I think, physically, he'll be ready for the Big Ten."
