Re: 2015/16 Hoops Thread

[Guest]

8. MICHIGAN STATE

Notable players definitely gone: Travis Trice, Branden Dawson
Others expected to leave: None
Notable players expected to return: Denzel Valentine, Marvin Clark, Matt Costello, Gavin Schilling, Alvin Ellis, Bryn Forbes, Lourawls Nairn
Others expected to join the roster: Caleb Swanigan, Eron Harris, Deyonta Davis, Matthew McQuaid, Kyle Ahrens

Why the Spartans are ranked here: The loss of Travis Trice and Branden Dawson will hurt. But the addition of Eron Harris, a West Virginia transfer, should be a big boost, and a late -- not to mention surprising -- commitment from five-star prospect Caleb Swannigan gives Michigan State a possible star in the frontcourt who should contribute immediately.

UNC moves to No. 1 in Ridiculously Early Preseason Top 25 (and one)

[InTenSity]

Swannigan is a recruit for this year? For some reason I thought he was a Jr and coming in next year.

[Guest]

Swannigan is a recruit for this year? For some reason I thought he was a Jr and coming in next year.

Yes, he'll be on campus in a month or so depending if he makes the USATeam.

[InTenSity]

Swannigan is a recruit for this year? For some reason I thought he was a Jr and coming in next year.

Yes, he'll be on campus in a month or so depending if he makes the USATeam.

Did he sign his LOI yet?

[Guest]

Yes, he'll be on campus in a month or so depending if he makes the USATeam.

Did he sign his LOI yet?

Not to my knowledge. He says he's 100% Spartan I'll believe him until proven otherwise.

[Guest]

MLive and the twitters now saying we'll be playing a home and home with Florida. EL this fall and Gainesville in '16.

[InTenSity]

MLive and the twitters now saying we'll be playing a home and home with Florida. EL this fall and Gainesville in '16.

I wish they would play Miami again. Although the one game was fun to go to, just too bad they lost.

[Guest]

EAST LANSING -- College basketball prognosticators are projecting a leap forward for another Michigan State senior.

Spartans guard Denzel Valentine checked in at No. 22 this week on ESPN's offseason ranking of the top 25 players in college basketball for 2015-16.

Michigan State's Denzel Valentine named among top 25 players in college basketball next season

Ben Simmons tops list of 25 best college players

[Guest]

Isn't McQuaid a pretty high ranking recruit? Like 4*? I can't believe if Schilling, Bess, etc didn't shirt that he's going to. But good input.

Yes, he is and supposedly a dead eye shooter......but....the reality is that you don't use much more than an 8 or 9 man rotation.

Nairn, Harris, Valentine, Forbes, Bess, Ellis  = 6
Costello, Schilling, Clark, Davis = 4

So you've essentially got an experienced 9 man rotation + Davis before considering Wollenman, Goins, McQuaid, Ahrens and the slim possibility of Swanigan.

That's the reason I'm thinking one or both of the freshman wings could 'shirt.

So we're back to this, a deep and experienced team. Carry on.

[Guest]

A week into last season, Michigan State coach Tom Izzo proclaimed himself the "worst scheduler in America."

His young, injury-depleted team was in the midst of a torrid stretch of six of eight games on the road against the likes of Duke, Kansas and Notre Dame. It would finish that stretch 5-3 in one of its worst starts to the season in recent memory.

A week before the end of the season, when Michigan State was on the verge of a surprise Final Four bid as a No. 7 seed, Izzo was singing a different tune about that early season schedule.

"I think scheduling like we do, I don't make as big a deal about it as other people do, but I do think, when you get punched in the mouth, you learn how to get up," Izzo said.

A numbers whiz, an algorithm and a jigsaw puzzle: A look inside Michigan State's scheduling process

[Giant Moose]

I hope Izzo wins it all in 2016 so he can rid himself of the "finishing problem" that has started to enter into his perception.

People keep calling him Mr. March and that must bug him severely as he'd rather be known as Mr. National Champion. Plus him being so close to big-time recruits and having them spurn him gives more fuel to those who say he can't quite close things out.

Time to win the national title again and shut everyone up once and for all.

[InTenSity]

I hope Izzo wins it all in 2016 so he can rid himself of the "finishing problem" that has started to enter into his perception.

People keep calling him Mr. March and that must bug him severely as he'd rather be known as Mr. National Champion. Plus him being so close to big-time recruits and having them spurn him gives more fuel to those who say he can't quite close things out.

Time to win the national title again and shut everyone up once and for all.

We'd be lucky if it shut you up. There are only about 4 schools that don't envy Izzo's position or record. Izzo is getting the reputation of not being able to close?

[Giant Moose]

Izzo is getting the reputation of not being able to close?

It bothers me that there are people selling and applauding shirts that say January, February, Izzo, April like it's supposed to be some sort of compliment to him. It totally disrespects him winning a title in April 2000 like it is something way in the past and ignores how hard he works the rest of the calendar year.

He's a national champion who works very hard and is unwillingly to compromise his integrity, which is very admirable.

[InTenSity]

Izzo is getting the reputation of not being able to close?

It bothers me that there are people selling and applauding shirts that say January, February, Izzo, April like it's supposed to be some sort of compliment to him. It totally disrespects him winning a title in April 2000 like it is something way in the past and ignores how hard he works the rest of the calendar year.

He's a national champion who works very hard and is unwillingly to compromise his integrity, which is very admirable.

A majority of people don't even know the championship game is in March. You are blowing this way out of proportion, but that seems to be something you enjoy doing. I'll just assume you're trolling again, which isn't bad, it is getting me to reply.

[Giant Moose]

It bothers me that there are people selling and applauding shirts that say January, February, Izzo, April like it's supposed to be some sort of compliment to him. It totally disrespects him winning a title in April 2000 like it is something way in the past and ignores how hard he works the rest of the calendar year.

He's a national champion who works very hard and is unwillingly to compromise his integrity, which is very admirable.

A majority of people don't even know the championship game is in March. You are blowing this way out of proportion, but that seems to be something you enjoy doing. I'll just assume you're trolling again, which isn't bad, it is getting me to reply.

Besides the Byrd situation, I don't really troll.

The rest is me concerned about MSU and Izzo's legacy. One more title helps both be remembered the way they should be when people look back at this period of time in the future. I will be disappointed for Izzo if we don't get another title under him.

[Guest]

Maryland is going to be TOUGH.

Jeff Goodman ‏@GoodmanESPN 4m4 minutes ago
Maryland starting 5: Melo Trimble, Rasheed Sulaimon, Jake Layman, Robert Carter, Diamond Stone. Trimble, Nickens, Cekovsky off the bench.

Stewart Mandel ‏@slmandel 5m5 minutes ago
RT @GoodmanESPN: Former Duke guard Rasheed Sulaimon told ESPN he will transfer to Maryland. Story: http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12865702/rasheed-sulaimon-play-senior-season-maryland-terrapins …

[The_Dude]

Maryland is going to be TOUGH.

Jeff Goodman ‏@GoodmanESPN 4m4 minutes ago
Maryland starting 5: Melo Trimble, Rasheed Sulaimon, Jake Layman, Robert Carter, Diamond Stone. Trimble, Nickens, Cekovsky off the bench.

Stewart Mandel ‏@slmandel 5m5 minutes ago
RT @GoodmanESPN: Former Duke guard Rasheed Sulaimon told ESPN he will transfer to Maryland. Story: http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12865702/rasheed-sulaimon-play-senior-season-maryland-terrapins …

[Robert J Sakimano]

I love our version of September Heisman with the most Spartan passion imaginable..

GO GREEN!!

[Giant Moose]

I love our version of September Heisman with the most Spartan passion imaginable..

GO GREEN!!

Bob, I know you don't know a lot about college sports but they give the Heisman out for football. This is a basketball thread.

[Robert J Sakimano]

I love our version of September Heisman with the most Spartan passion imaginable..

GO GREEN!!

Bob, I know you don't know a lot about college sports but they give the Heisman out for football. This is a basketball thread.

that's why I referred to it as our version of the September Heisman..

GO GREEN!!

[Guest]

I love our version of September Heisman with the most Spartan passion imaginable..

GO GREEN!!

Bob....in this thread it should be September Naismith.

[Robert J Sakimano]

I love our version of September Heisman with the most Spartan passion imaginable..

GO GREEN!!

Bob....in this thread it should be September Naismith.

we're gonna win sooo much!!

[SpartanInNH]

Bob, I know you don't know a lot about college sports but they give the Heisman out for football. This is a basketball thread.

that's why I referred to it as our version of the September Heisman..

GO GREEN!!

Bob, that's the wrong shade of green, and you know it.

[Giant Moose]

that's why I referred to it as our version of the September Heisman..

GO GREEN!!

Bob, that's the wrong shade of green, and you know it.  

Pick any shade of green and MSU has worn it at one point or another.

[Guest]

He signed his letter of intent in November, but soon after found out a separate stress fracture would delay the start to his high school senior season.

But since then, everything has been smooth sailing.

Ahrens, the three-star Ohio shooting guard, returned to average more than 30 points per game as a senior. And a month before he's set to move to Michigan State, he said his leg issues are fully behind him.

"It's feeling greater than ever and stronger than ever," Ahrens said last week.

Healthy and stronger than ever, SG recruit Kyle Ahrens ready to make move to Michigan State

[Guest]

There are worse reputations for a basketball player to have than one as a top-flight shooter.

But incoming Michigan State basketball recruit Matt McQuaid doesn't want to be limited by that label.

"I can go off the dribble too, I can pass, and I have some sneaky athleticism to me," McQuaid said last week, describing his game. "I can do more than just shoot."

McQuaid will be looking to prove himself as more than just a shooter next season when he suits up for Michigan State as one of three members of the Spartans' incoming recruiting class.

Michigan State commit Matt McQuaid ready to prove he's more than just a shooter

[Guest]

Rules Changes:

[InTenSity]

Are those actually going to happen? That'd be great, although I think carrying 4 TO's into the second half should be allowed.

[Guest]

Joe Rexrode ‏@joerexrode 7m7 minutes ago
This might be the sneaky-best one of them all. RT @NicoleAuerbach Faking fouls (flopping) can also be penalized.

Stewart Mandel ‏@slmandel 8m8 minutes ago
Also, coaches no longer allowed to call TO during live play. … This is all great.

NCAA March Madness ‏@marchmadness 10m10 minutes ago
Other #MBBRules proposals include eliminating coach-called live ball timeouts and 10 second backcourt timer will not reset with timeout.

[Guest]

All proposals for now, but most have wide support:

NCAA basketball rules group proposes reduced shot clock, timeouts

[Guest]

The NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules Committee approved a package of proposals and officiating directives to significantly improve the pace of play, better balance offense with defense and reduce the physicality in the sport.

During its meetings, the committee caucused with the National Association of Basketball Coaches Board of Directors, Division I Men’s Basketball Committee and several other key stakeholders.

“The committee has taken significant steps to reverse the trends in the sport that are concerning to the men’s college basketball world,” said Rick Byrd, chair of the committee and men’s basketball coach at Belmont University. “We have spent the past year collecting data, opinions and considering proposals that will help our game. Our anticipation is that dedicated officiating enforcement, along with this package of changes, will help balance the offense and defense in our game.”

Men’s basketball rules committee recommends package of proposals to improve game

[InTenSity]

The reduced shot clock will happen. I just don't know how you fix officiating without having permanent officials, and even then they will miss things. We all get to watch games on 55" Super4090 HD OLED TV's with frame by frame slow mo. That being said, they should also have a 32 inch or so monitor available for replay for the officials.
Is college BBall trying to just reward the offense? Everything is becoming so offensive oriented lately, it is going to eventually hurt some of these sports.

[Other Teams Pursuing That]

I LOVE IT!!

[Guest]

Matt Charboneau ‏@mattcharboneau 10m10 minutes ago

Bovada lists Michigan State at 16-1 to win hoops national title. Maryland favorite at 9-1. Michigan & Purdue both 33-1

[Guest]

The Michigan State Spartans have three great options at the power forward position. Gavin Schilling and Matt Costello look to come back and have another great season. With the addition of Deyonta Davis, the returning big men’s role are that much more important.

Tom Izzo now has depth at the four and five position, something he hasn’t had in a very long time. Costello is coming off of a seven point, 5.2 rebound season and looks to improve on those dramatically with the graduation of Branden Dawson. Schilling also contributed 5 points and 3.1 rebounds in his sophomore campaign.
Costello

With Davis coming in, this gives the two upperclassmen an opportunity to challenge Davis and teach him how to be tough in the Big Ten. Davis more than likely will be coming off of the bench at the beginning of the year, he has the ability to become a starter very quickly. After all, Davis was named a McDonald’s All-American and is one of the best power forwards from the 2015 class. This is great news for the Spartans though, after all if one of the three get in foul trouble there will be one additional option to come off the bench.

Michigan State Basketball: The importance of Schilling and Costello

[Guest]

More than 60 college basketball teams will utilize the opportunity to head out on a foreign trip this spring and summer, many of them getting a head start on the season by taking full advantage of the 10 practices leading up to the jaunt.

Kentucky did it a year ago with its trip to the Bahamas, and there are several NCAA title contenders that could gain a similar edge in 2015-16.

Michigan State Spartans, Italy (Aug. 21-Sept. 1)

Tom Izzo brings back Denzel Valentine, but this team will have a different look with Travis Trice and Branden Dawson gone. The most important aspect will be the development of point guard Tum Tum Nairn and his ability to be a threat on the offensive end.

College basketball's summer trips season: A guide

[Guest]

Tom Izzo’s returning cast is one of the deepest for MSU in recent memory. Yes, the Spartans did lose leaders Travis Trice and Brendan Dawson. But, they are also returning Denzel Valentine, Matt Costello, Gavin Schilling, Lourawls “Tum-Tum” Nairn Jr., Bryn Forbes, Marvin Clark Jr. and Alvin Ellis. The addition of the three recruits in Deyonta Davis, Matt McQuaid and Kyle Ahrens and transfer Eron Harris will give this team the additional depth needed to take their game to the next level.

Now as far as expectations go for the 2015-2016 Spartans, they should sound a little something like this.

Michigan State Basketball: Next season’s expectations

[Other Teams Pursuing That]

Not bagging on you Goose, but that was one turrible article.

Tom Izzo’s returning cast is one of the deepest for MSU in recent memory. Yes, the Spartans did lose leaders Travis Trice and Brendan Dawson. But, they are also returning Denzel Valentine, Matt Costello, Gavin Schilling, Lourawls “Tum-Tum” Nairn Jr., Bryn Forbes, Marvin Clark Jr. and Alvin Ellis. The addition of the three recruits in Deyonta Davis, Matt McQuaid and Kyle Ahrens and transfer Eron Harris will give this team the additional depth needed to take their game to the next level.

Now as far as expectations go for the 2015-2016 Spartans, they should sound a little something like this.

Michigan State Basketball: Next season’s expectations

[Guest]

Not bagging on you Goose, but that was one turrible article.

Michigan State Basketball: Next season’s expectations

LOL.....I was waiting for this post from someone. I don't judge them I just link them. To expect every blog to have Grantland Rice isn't realistic but I'd agree that article was pretty thin.

[Giant Moose]

Matt Charboneau ‏@mattcharboneau 10m10 minutes ago

Bovada lists Michigan State at 16-1 to win hoops national title. Maryland favorite at 9-1. Michigan & Purdue both 33-1

Maryland has a crappy coach. They won't win it all.

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