Class of 2027 five-star point guard Antonio Pemberton committed to Michigan State on Friday, September 18, 2026, choosing Tom Izzo’s program over a final list of eight schools, according to reports from Spartans Illustrated and the Detroit Free Press. Standing 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, the Methuen, Massachusetts native is ranked as the No. 23 overall prospect nationally and the No. 5 point guard in the 2027 class by the 247Sports Composite rankings, giving the Spartans their first pledge of the cycle.
Recruitment Finalists and Campus Visit Impact
Pemberton narrowed his recruitment down to a final group of eight programs before making his choice: Michigan State, Ohio State, UCLA, Tennessee, Kansas, Creighton, Boston College, and Marquette, according to primary reporting from Spartan Tailgate. The decision arrived immediately following an official visit to East Lansing for Michigan State’s annual “Grind Week” alumni event, where former players spend time with the current roster and recruits, as noted by Spartans Illustrated. That campus trip served as the final official visit of his recruitment, leading Pemberton to cancel upcoming scheduled trips to Marquette and Ohio State, per Spartans Illustrated.
During a Michigan State football home game against Eastern Michigan, the basketball staff staged a full-court recruiting effort, with former player Jase Richardson and current roster members Jeremy Fears Jr., Coen Carr, and Kur Teng spending time with Pemberton on the field, according to Spartans Illustrated reporting. Pemberton also shares a prior connection with Teng, having played alongside the current Spartan at Bradford Christian Academy and for the Mass Rivals program, as detailed by Spartans Illustrated.
Scouting Profile and Circuit Production
Playing on the Adidas 3SSB circuit for the Mass Rivals over the summer, Pemberton averaged 26.5 points, 5.7 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game while earning MVP and Offensive MVP honors for Session III, according to Spartans Illustrated metrics. 247Sports Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein highlighted Pemberton as a tough shot-maker who relies on a pull-up game from the mid-range and beyond the arc, features a tight handle to shake defenders, and draws high-volume fouls to get to the free-throw line, per Spartan Tailgate. Steve Hewitt, editor of the New England Basketball Journal, described Pemberton in the Detroit Free Press as one of the most mature scorers in New England with ability to get to his spots in the mid-range.
Pro Tip: Tracking high school circuits like the Adidas 3SSB offers early insight into how elite guards adjust to physical pick-and-roll coverages before reaching the college level.
Program Fit and Roster Context
Pemberton’s commitment marks Michigan State’s third-straight recruiting win over Tennessee, following previous victories for Jasiah Jervis and Coen Carr, according to Spartan Tailgate data. The addition continues a strong backcourt talent pipeline for Izzo, coming on the heels of landing five-star guard Jasiah Jervis and point guard Carlos “C.J.” Medlock in the 2026 class, alongside the return of redshirt junior Jeremy Fears Jr. after testing the NBA draft process, as reported by Spartan Tailgate and the Detroit Free Press. Pemberton transferred to Masters Academy International in Stow, Massachusetts, after previously playing for coach Jason Smith at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, where he won the Gatorade Player of the Year award for New Hampshire as a junior by averaging 16.8 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.6 rebounds, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Did You Know? Antonio Pemberton is Tom Izzo’s second recent guard recruit to emerge from New England, following fellow New Hampshire native Kur Teng.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Antonio Pemberton commit to Michigan State?
Antonio Pemberton announced his commitment to Michigan State on Friday, September 18, 2026, during a live broadcast on CBSSports.com.
What are Antonio Pemberton’s measurements and ranking?
Pemberton stands 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds. He is ranked as a five-star prospect, holding the No. 23 overall spot nationally and the No. 5 point guard ranking in the 2027 class according to the 247Sports Composite.
Which schools were in Pemberton’s final group?
Pemberton trimmed his finalists to Michigan State, Ohio State, UCLA, Tennessee, Kansas, Creighton, Boston College, and Marquette before choosing the Spartans.
What connection did Pemberton have to the Michigan State roster prior to committing?
Pemberton previously played alongside current Spartan guard Kur Teng at Bradford Christian Academy and for the Mass Rivals AAU program.
What are your thoughts on Antonio Pemberton joining Tom Izzo’s 2027 class? Drop a comment below and share your analysis on how he fits into the future Spartans backcourt.
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