Ten years ago, Tom Izzo waited to hear from LeBron James.
The call never came.
Izzo turned down a chance to jump to the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers and instead remained at Michigan State. Less than a month later, James announced on ESPN he would be taking his talents to Miami.
It turned out to be the right move for Izzo.
And on Monday, he finally landed his generational talent in Emoni Bates.
Now, he must wait to see when _ and if _ that union can happen. And if it does, there is a chance Izzo could have the budding superstar for two years, and not one.
Bates' stunning midday announcement to commit to MSU could eventually be "The Decision" for the Spartans. In two years at Ypsilanti Lincoln, the athletic 6-foot-9 forward has become one of the most heralded high school prospects in the country, perhaps since James skipped college for the NBA nearly two decades ago.
"I'm not sure what the future may hold," Bates said as he and family members hoisted Spartan hats to their heads, "but as I do know right now, I will be committing to Michigan State University."
