BY ALEJANDRO LOPEZ & ADAM ZAGORIA
Michigan State has landed a highly touted forward in the 2026 recruiting class.
Four-star prospect Julius Avent will play for Michigan State in the 2026-27 season, he told ZAGSBLOG on Wednesday.
“I will be taking my talents to Michigan State,” he said. “I chose them because it felt like home from the tradition, the culture, and the way the program develops players on and off the court. And I will be able to get the chance to prove myself on the highest level on a winning team.”
The 6-foot-7 forward is the No. 13 power forward in his class and has been a key target for Michigan State.”
I will bring a guy who can get it done on both ends of the floor and who’s going to give it his all every game,” he said. “On offense you will get a 3-level scorer who can push the ball in transition off the rebound and make plays for myself and others.”
Avent, a New Jersey native, canceled a scheduled visit to Seton Hall before announcing his commitment to Michigan State. He chose the Spartans over Xavier, Seton Hall, Providence and Penn State.
He is the second member of Michigan State’s 2026 recruiting class, alongside four-star prospect Carlos Medlock Jr. The Spartans also have their eye on Archbishop Stepinac (NY) guard Jasiah Jervis.
“I will be trying to get Jasiah Jervis to come,” Avent said.
His coaches discussed his game and character.
“Julius represents everything that is great about high school sports,” Bergen Catholic coach Billy Armstrong told ZAGSBLOG. “He’s a high-character, grounded young man who has earned every opportunity through hard work and consistency. He wasn’t the most sought-after recruit as an 8th grader—he even played JV as a freshman, something few are willing to do anymore—but he trusted his process and surpassed so many players once ranked ahead of him. Over four years, he’s grown into one of the top players in the country, all while staying loyal to his teammates, his school, and our program. Julius is a rare talent who can play multiple positions, 1 through 4, and his high basketball IQ sets him apart. More than that, he’s a special person, and I have no doubt he will thrive at Michigan State.”
“Julius is a tough, versatile forward who can stretch the floor and finish strong through contact,” said his PSA Cardinals coach Donavan Jones. “He’s a competitor with great character and the drive to keep improving every day.”
“Julius is one of the most skilled combo-forwards in the country,” said PSA Cardinals director Terrance “Munch” Williams. “His ability to score on all three levels consistently gives him a chance to be an offensive weapon at the next level. Add in the factor that his frame is ready for college today and he rebounds at a high clip, this is a young man that should see mins as a freshman.
“The PSA Cardinals organization is thankful for all the years Julius has been a part of the program.”
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