Record 19-14
Eron Harris went down in mid February in a game against Purdue and that was the final proof this is a cursed season for the Spartans. However, Michigan State reached the tournament and coach Izzo usually gets things done in March. Obviously rotations will be an issue, since Gavin Schilling and Ben Carter never played this season and Harris will be out as well. Coach Izzo has been forced to rely on a group of freshmen, but not all of them played up to the expectation. Miles Bridges is the team leader in pretty much every statistical voice, but Joshua Langford has been a disappointment so far. Nick Ward is now part of the starting five and was crucial in the win against Wisconsin that allowed the Spartans to reach the tournament. And Cassius Winston showed some improvement during the season.
Key Players
Miles Bridges is a small forward who can slide up one position in college. He played as well as he was expected to and took the challenge coach Izzo has been forced to throw at him and showed some leadership qualities. Bridges has been the best offensive player for this team, although Nick Ward’s growth relieved him of some of the burden.
Prediction
Last year they were among the favorites for the title and lost in the first round. It would be absurd, and very Tom Izzo-like, if they had to go on a crazy run in a year they are not expected to reach the Sweet 16.
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