By Paul M. Banks Heading into Saturday’s Final Four, much has been made of MSU’s home-court advantage in Detroit, but the “intangible” if you believe in such things as a deciding factor being slightly under-reported is the dark cloud of scandal hanging over the heads of the UConn program. They may just fold up shop, like Indiana did down the stretch last season when the … [Read more...] about Why Michigan St Plays for the Title
Michigan State Spartans
Michigan State Now Midwest’s Premier Program
By Paul M. Banks Before it was an environmental clarion call spouted by business and government leaders everywhere, the phrase “go green” was the Michigan State Spartans’ battle cry. For those lucky enough to be in Detroit this weekend (Yes, it’s weird describing Detroit as a coveted destination) you’ll hear lots of “go green” and “go white” as MSU becomes the first team … [Read more...] about Michigan State Now Midwest’s Premier Program
Top Ten Coaching Jobs in College Basketball
By: David K. Billy Gillespie gets the boot at Kentucky after not meeting expectations in his two seasons. John Calipari is attempting to pick up the pieces in Lexington as he bolts from Memphis to help re-build UK. Tony Bennett leaves Washington State for Virginia while VCU’s Anthony Grant makes the jump from mid-major to major conference by taking the reigns at Alabama. … [Read more...] about Top Ten Coaching Jobs in College Basketball
Tom H to the Izzo Tournament Edition
Tom Izzo Interview breaking down State's strengths and weaknesses By Paul M. Banks Of all the Big Ten teams in the tournament, the one that everyone expects to actually do some damage this March is Michigan St. The #2 seed in the Midwest Regional, if they can survive Louisville and company, they would play in the Final Four, right in their backyard in Detroit. So what … [Read more...] about Tom H to the Izzo Tournament Edition
Kalin Lucas & Raymar Morgan Exclusives
Paul M. Banks sits down with the Big Ten Player of the year and his most valuable Michigan State teammate First off Kalin Lucas What’s been the key to limiting turnovers this season? KL: “I think My AAU coach played point guard too, so he was really tough on me about turning the ball over when I was younger growing up.” What about the MSU point guard … [Read more...] about Kalin Lucas & Raymar Morgan Exclusives
Big Ten Tournament Preview and Predictions
By Paul M. Banks When the 12th Annual Big Ten Men’s basketball tournament tips off Thursday morning it will feature one of the deepest fields in recent years. If a couple of the bubble teams make a strong showing at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, as many as nine teams could have a case to be in the big dance occurring the following week. One thing I can’t figure out … [Read more...] about Big Ten Tournament Preview and Predictions
TSB.net All-Big Ten Honors
TSB.net All-Big Ten Honors 1st Team *Talor Battle (Penn State)- Led conference in scoring, second in assists on the surprise Nittany Lions *Evan Turner (Ohio State)- Everything in the Buckeye offense ran through Turner Kailin Lucas (Michigan State)- Lucas with the lid off emerged as conference champ's leader Manny Harris (Michigan)- Despite shooting … [Read more...] about TSB.net All-Big Ten Honors
More Bruce Weber Grilling
By Paul M. Banks Welcome to a new feature here at TSB where I’ll give you the highlights of the many Bruce Weber press conferences that I attend over the course of the season. As we get closer to March Madness, I’ll be publishing for you the most meaningful statements I’ve heard Weber make. I asked him if the best player on conference champ Michigan St. Kalin Lucas … [Read more...] about More Bruce Weber Grilling
Illini, Spartans Class of Big 10 during ’00s
By Paul M. Banks When second place Illinois hosts first place Michigan State on Sunday, the battle for the Big Ten title will be yet another chapter in a decade familiar story. For the past ten years or so, the Illini and Spartans have met each other at the apex of the conference. In 1998 and 2001, they finished conference co-champions. In the latter season, they both earned … [Read more...] about Illini, Spartans Class of Big 10 during ’00s
Big Ten Power Rankings
By Paul M. Banks, David K, & Peter Christian 1. Michigan State -Momentum is on the Spartans side right now -Izzo finally beat Bo -If you can beat this team on the boards, you’ll likely go far come March 2.Purdue -Getting healthy and regaining their chemistry at the perfect time - 10-1 with Hummel in the line-up in conference play, 0-3 without him -Cuonzo … [Read more...] about Big Ten Power Rankings