By Paul M. Banks Michigan State entered this past season ranked #2 in the AP poll. They had their struggles in midseason, but played up to the hype when it counted in March. Without top player Kalin Lucas, the Spartans still finished just one HORRIBLE non-call away from playing in the national title game. Butler star forward Gordon Hayward even admitted it himself, … [Read more...] about Michigan State could be nation’s top team next year
tom izzo michigan state
Izzo’s Definition of a College Basketball National Power
By Paul M. Banks INDIANAPOLIS- What are the benchmarks, numbers, standards for entry into the same class as the four (Kentucky, Kansas, North Carolina, UCLA) most historically elite programs? Michigan State's Tom Izzo, whose program has been in the national conversation for the last 10 years or so, offered a couple definitions. … [Read more...] about Izzo’s Definition of a College Basketball National Power
Midwest Swing Elite 8 Edition
Paul M. Banks ST LOUIS-I got one of the best compliments ever following the taking of the picture you see above. Some random dude said something that made me think, "this must be what Justin Timberlake feels like every day." … [Read more...] about Midwest Swing Elite 8 Edition
Korie Lucious Emerges as new Spartans Leader (Video)
By Paul M. Banks When Kalin Lucas went down, Michigan St. lost their best player and floor general. His replacement Korie Lucious, a 5-10 sophomore point guard from Milwaukee, did an admirable job in his place. … [Read more...] about Korie Lucious Emerges as new Spartans Leader (Video)
Fridays with Izzo: Sports “Saving” a City Storyline
By Paul M. Banks Welcome to a new quasi-weekly feature where we discuss some of the biggest topics in the Michigan State Spartan world, including the insight and observations of legendary MSU coach Tom Izzo. In this edition, we talk about the idea of a successful sports team becoming a battered city's salvation. Despite what ESPN, the Chicago Tribune and other corporate … [Read more...] about Fridays with Izzo: Sports “Saving” a City Storyline
Saturdays with Izzo: Michigan St.-Michigan Rivalry
By Jeff Ghiringhelli and Paul M. Banks Welcome to a new quasi-weekly feature where we discuss some of the biggest topics in the Michigan State Spartan world, including the insight and observations of legendary MSU coach Tom Izzo. In our first installment, we discuss the rivalry with Michigan. … [Read more...] about Saturdays with Izzo: Michigan St.-Michigan Rivalry
Tom Izzo’s Teams Are Always Prepared For March
By Jeff Ghiringhelli In college basketball, it's all about winning in March. Nobody knows that better than Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo, who has coached his teams to four Final Fours and one National Championship since 2000. Izzo squads are famous for playing very tough non-conference schedules, and steadily improving throughout the year in time for the Big … [Read more...] about Tom Izzo’s Teams Are Always Prepared For March
Chicago’s Very Own Shannon Brown Increasing His Production with Lakers
By Paul M. Banks Chicagoans watching the NBA on Christmas Day may struggle to find something of local interest in the headliner Cavaliers-Lakers game (Bulls fans, Cleveland or the Evil Empire? No love there). But there is local product and former Michigan St. Spartan Shannon Brown who’s finding his best days professionally in Los Angeles. I had an exclusive with Brown during … [Read more...] about Chicago’s Very Own Shannon Brown Increasing His Production with Lakers
Michigan State’s Tom Izzo Predicts Northwestern in Tourney!
By Paul M. Banks Legendary Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo went out on a limb and told the media that this is the year Northwestern qualifies for their first NCAA Tournament in school history. In this video, he explains why he thinks the Wildcats will make their first NCAA Tournament this year. He also gives detailed analysis of the steps the program took last year, and … [Read more...] about Michigan State’s Tom Izzo Predicts Northwestern in Tourney!