Only one team from last year’s Final Four looks to be in serious danger of missing this year’s NCAA Tournament. That college basketball team was also the national runner-up in 2009, and ranked #2 in preseason polls this year. They are the Big ten and the nation’s biggest let-down, the Michigan State Spartans (17-13, 9-9). North Carolina and Kansas State also had massive … [Read more...] about Is Michigan State Going to be Left out of the NCAA Dance?
tom izzo
Rapid Reaction: Wisconsin 82 Michigan St. 56
The #18 Wisconsin Badgers were a force to be reckoned with in a 82-56 drubbing of the Michigan State Spartans on Super Bowl Sunday. With the win, the Badgers (17-5, 7-3) extended their home-winning streak to 16 while the Spartans (13-10, 5-6) have firmly placed their selves in the discussion for a possible NIT invite. The Green Bay Packers were definitely on the mind of most … [Read more...] about Rapid Reaction: Wisconsin 82 Michigan St. 56
Michigan State is a Program in Severe Crisis, but What’s Next?
As I articulated in the first part of this feature, the Michigan State college basketball season is ostensibly over. (Follow that link for more detail, but if your only colors are green and white I’m warning you now: “there’s no comfort in the truth, pain is all you’ll find,” as George Michael told us in the 1980s) State's packing it in is no longer news to anyone close the … [Read more...] about Michigan State is a Program in Severe Crisis, but What’s Next?
Michigan State: Season is Essentially Over, Program in Crisis?
Is it all downhill for the Michigan State Spartans? Clearly, this season is over, and State has packed it in. If losing to Michigan for the first time in 1,100+ days didn’t convince you, then maybe the requirement of overtime to achieve 3/5 of their conference wins did. No? Then last night’s phantasmagoric performance in Iowa City certainly does. The Iowa Hawkeyes are … [Read more...] about Michigan State: Season is Essentially Over, Program in Crisis?
Relationship Between Michigan State’s Leading Scorer and Head Coach Getting Frosty?
Last March, Michigan State Spartans star Durrell Summers saw a breakout NCAA Tournament propel his NBA Draft stock. A probable second round pick, Summers instead came back to school, and now sees his stock falling. The primary questions that surround his potential -defense and heart- are now flaring up again. And Summers isn't getting any help from his own Head Coach Tom … [Read more...] about Relationship Between Michigan State’s Leading Scorer and Head Coach Getting Frosty?
Turnovers Don’t Fit with Michigan State Point Guard Tradition, Kalin Lucas
When the Big Ten Network produced a program highlighting the most storied position traditions of excellence in the conference, Michigan State point guards took home the overall slot. All those decades of college basketball and college football and the number one is the men who have manned "the one" in East Lansing. NBA superstars, Team USA and college legends, guys like Scott … [Read more...] about Turnovers Don’t Fit with Michigan State Point Guard Tradition, Kalin Lucas
Michigan State Needs Rookie Keith Appling to Grow Up Quickly
"I'm a lot more comfortable now that I've gotten a couple starts under my belt," Michigan State Spartans point guard Keith Appling said last week following a victory over Northwestern in which he had five blocks. "He's going end up like Charlie Bell, one of the best defensive players that we've had," MSU Coach Tom Izzo said. Appling was inserted into the starting line-up … [Read more...] about Michigan State Needs Rookie Keith Appling to Grow Up Quickly
Northwestern takes Michigan State Down to the Wire
Although the final outcome was still a loss, it was a much more exciting and interesting loss to Michigan State this time for Northwestern, who took one of their toughest Big Ten opponents down to the final possession. No wants to believe in nor accept moral victories, but losing to the #18 Spartans, when your star forward John Shurna (the Big Ten's leading scorer) is … [Read more...] about Northwestern takes Michigan State Down to the Wire
THE Ohio State Buckeyes Big Ten Preview
Ohio State has stormed to a 13-0 start, winning every game by double-digits. They are also 1-0 against the AP top-25 (win against former #10 Florida). While they haven't been tested early on, the Big Ten schedule will prove just how tough the Buckeyes really are. Game to Watch: OSU at Wisconsin, February 12. The Buckeyes are 0-7 at the Kohl Center during Bo Ryan's current … [Read more...] about THE Ohio State Buckeyes Big Ten Preview
Tom Crean: The Reason That Marquette Is In the Big East
The comparison between Marquette and Creighton works on a number of levels. Both schools have a Jesuit tradition with campuses that are located in urban areas. They also have been supported locally by alumni and a segmented passionate segment of their cities’ populations. There is a difference in population size between Omaha and Milwaukee, but there is also a discrepancy in … [Read more...] about Tom Crean: The Reason That Marquette Is In the Big East