Heading into their season opener against North Carolina Friday on an aircraft carrier in San Diego, Michigan State basketball got some very good news Thursday when the program landed Gary Harris, who’s considered the #1 shooting guard in the country by ESPN.com.

The 6-foot-6 Harris from Fishers, Indiana chose the Spartans over Kentucky, Purdue and Indiana.

“(Michigan State) recruited me for a long time,” Harris told the Indianapolis Star. “I liked the whole family atmosphere up there. I feel like I’m a part of them. It was a great environment and once I got around the players, I was really comfortable.”

According to David Mayo of the Grand Rapids Press, Harris averaged 17.6 points, 3.1 assists, 2.6 steals and 4.9 rebounds per game as a junior at Hamilton Southeastern. Mayo also believes that Harrison’s defensive skills and shooting range could make an immediate impact for the Spartans next year.

Michigan State who has one more scholarship to offer next season has the 3rd best recruiting class for 2012 according to ESPN.com. Scout.com ranks the Spartans in at #6.

Ref: ESPN.com, Grand Rapids Press, Scout.com, USA Today (image)