Antonio Pemberton Committed to Michigan State

The 5-star point guard has announced his decision to join the Spartans for the 2027 recruiting class.

Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Basketball

Antonio Pemberton Committed to Michigan State

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Antonio Pemberton, a 5-star point guard and the No. 23 ranked player nationally, has committed to Michigan State University. The Methuen, Massachusetts, native is the first member of the Spartans' 2027 recruiting class.

Why it matters

Pemberton represents a significant early recruiting win for Michigan State, bringing elite talent to East Lansing as the program looks to secure its future backcourt. His addition strengthens the Spartans' roster trajectory as they compete against top national programs for high-school prospects.

Pemberton is a 6-foot-1, 180-pound prospect who averaged 16.8 points, five assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game as a junior. He earned Gatorade Player of the Year honors in New Hampshire before transferring to Masters Academy International.

The players

Antonio Pemberton

He is a 5-star point guard from Methuen, Massachusetts, who is recognized as one of the top high school basketball players in the nation.

Jason Smith

He is a basketball coach at Masters Academy International who has worked closely with Pemberton throughout his development.

Jeremy Fears Jr.

He is a Michigan State basketball player whose position Pemberton may potentially fill in future seasons.

The details

Pemberton chose Michigan State over several high-profile offers from schools including Kansas, UCLA, and Ohio State. He currently trains under coach Jason Smith at Masters Academy International after his move from New Hampshire.

Pemberton participated in the NBPA Top 100 Camp in June 2026.
He announced his commitment to Michigan State on September 18, 2026.

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Season Trajectory

Pemberton's commitment establishes an early foundation for the 2027 recruiting class and helps maintain the team's competitive standing in the Big Ten. His arrival could eventually provide the necessary depth to transition from current backcourt contributors like Jeremy Fears Jr.

Pemberton holds the distinction of being the first player to commit to Michigan State for the 2027 class. His signing is expected to influence the program's future offensive rotation and scholarship allocation for incoming guards.

The takeaway

Securing a top-25 prospect early in the recruiting cycle allows the coaching staff to allocate resources toward other positional needs for the 2027 class. Readers interested in college sports should track how early commitments correlate with long-term success in conference play.