The future of Michigan State’s basketball program just got brighter, and its 2026 recruiting class got deeper.
On Wednesday, Oct. 1. four-star wing Julius Avent announced his verbal commitment to MSU on social media, picking the Spartans over programs such as finalists Seton Hall and Xavier, as well as Providence, Penn State, Villanova and others.
From Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, New Jersey, the 6-foot-8 220-pound Avent is nationally ranked as the No. 78 player overall and the No. 13 power forward, according to 247Sports' composite rankings.
Last season, Avent averaged 14.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.3 assists, helping Bergen Catholic to a Non-Public A state boys’ basketball championship. He now brings his multiple tool skillset to East Lansing.
Avent is the second player to join head coach Tom Izzo’s 2026 recruiting class, joining four-star point guard Carlos Medlock Jr. who committed from Link Academy in Branson, Missouri in July.
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