Michigan State received a verbal commitment from the player that could be the centerpiece of its 2011 recruiting efforts Wednesday when Branden Dawson of Lew Wallace (Gary, Ind.) signaled his intentions to become a Spartan.
Dawson, a 6-foot-6, 205-pound wing, averaged 24.0 points and 14.7 rebounds per game as a junior to lead the Hornets to Indiana's Class 3A title game. He is rated the No. 18 prospect in the 2011 class by MaxPreps.com.
"Based on the criteria he set during the recruiting process, he should fit in fairly well," said James Dye, Executive Director of Dawson's club team, the SYF Players. "He has a great nose for the ball and through the course of the process we've had coaches tell us he's the best rebounding guard in the country."
Dawson join guards Dwaun Anderson of Suttons Bay (Suttons Bay, Mich.) and Brandan Kearney of Southeastern (Detroit, Mich.) as 2011 Spartan pledges.
"He has a great relationship with Coach (Tom) Izzo," Dye said. "During the whole month of July and the evaluation period, Coach Izzo didn't miss one of his games, so he is well-acquainted with what he is getting. It is going to be a great fit for him."
According to Dye, Dawson also considered Purdue, Indiana, Marquette, Georgetown and UCLA.
