Gary Harris headed to Michigan State

Both Brian Snow of Scout.com and Dave Telep of ESPN.com are reporting that Gary Harris of Hamilton Southeastern has committed to Michigan State.

Harris told Telep that the family atmosphere at Michigan State was the difference:

“Me and my family, we just decided tonight,” Harris said. “All the schools had the same thing but it came down to the school I was most comfortable with. The family atmosphere (at Michigan State) was like no other. The way they treat each other and act and get along — it’s a great feeling.”

A third source — Kyle Neddenriep of The Indianapolis Star — confirmed the news with Gary Harris Sr.

“I absolutely think he did it the right way,” Harris Sr. said. “I’m really happy for him. There’s a range of emotions you go through after going through it for three-and-a-half years. It wasn’t an easy decision.”

Harris, the No. 10 player in the country according to ESPN, took official visits to Indiana, Kentucky, Purdue and Michigan State before ultimately deciding on the Spartans.

He averaged 18.6 points per game as a junior.

Harris’ decision means that Indiana’s 2012 class, ranked as high as No. 2 nationally, will remain at five players.

All five recruits — Hanner Perea, Kevin “Yogi” Ferrell, Jeremy Hollowell, Peter Jurkin and Ron Patterson — signed National Letters of Intent on Wednesday with the Hoosiers.

(Photo credit: Jamie Owens of J. Scott Sports)

Filed to: Gary Harris