“More Than a Player”: Top Recruit Kelvin Savage Jr. Commits to Michigan State After Heartfelt Connection with Tom Izzo
East Lansing, MI – June 26, 2025
Kelvin Savage Jr., a five-star guard and one of the most sought-after high school players in the nation, has committed to Michigan State University, citing a personal connection with legendary head coach Tom Izzo as the defining factor in his decision.
Savage, a 6-foot-4 floor general from Dallas, Texas, had offers from more than 20 top-tier programs, including Duke, Kansas, and Kentucky. But after a weekend visit to East Lansing, the decision became clear.
“We’ve been to a lot of campuses, but Michigan State stood out,” said Kelvin’s father, Kelvin Savage Sr., a former professional player who spent eight years playing in Europe and Asia. “Coach Izzo treated my son like more than a player—he treated him like a person, a young man with a future beyond basketball.”
That sentiment, echoed by many recruits over the years, carries special weight coming from the Savage family. Known for their disciplined approach to development and emphasis on character, the Savages spent months evaluating programs not just for basketball pedigree but for mentorship, education, and long-term fit.
What sealed the deal was an unplanned moment. After practice, Izzo sat down with Kelvin Jr. alone in the film room—not to pitch playing time or fame, but to talk about life. They discussed books, family, what it means to lead, and what comes after basketball.
“It wasn’t about NBA draft projections or jersey numbers,” Savage Jr. said. “Coach Izzo asked me what kind of man I want to be at 30. No one else asked me that.”
The commitment is a massive win for Michigan State, who is coming off a Sweet Sixteen appearance and now adds the No. 3-ranked guard in the 2025 class to its roster. Savage Jr. brings explosive athleticism, elite court vision, and a gritty defensive presence—traits that fit perfectly within Izzo’s hard-nosed system.
“He’s a Spartan through and through,” Izzo said of his newest recruit. “He’s got talent, yes, but he’s got heart, discipline, and humility. Those are the qualities we build on.”
Beyond basketball, Savage Jr. expressed admiration for MSU’s academic support and social environment. He plans to major in kinesiology, inspired by his mother, a physical therapist, and hopes to one day open a youth sports rehab center in his hometown.
The buzz around East Lansing is palpable. Spartans fans have flooded social media with welcome messages, while current and former players, including NBA stars Jaren Jackson Jr. and Cassius Winston, have reached out with congratulations.
“Kelvin Jr. is the kind of kid who will leave a mark on this program—and this university,” said associate head coach Dwayne Stephens. “Not just for what he does with the ball in his hands, but for who he is off the court.”
For the Savage family, the decision was never just about banners and stats.
“It was about trust,” said Savage Sr. “And we trust Coach Izzo. He sees our son not just as a basketball player, but as a young man with dreams.”
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