Comments on: Prediction one, actually there’s two in here

By: Ryan Pravato

Ryan Pravato — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 02:59:40 +0000

Maybe I’m putting too much emphasis on that one year, but it seems like Izzo has not kept this team up at a championship caliber level-

Above average coach, no doubt, but I think in the past he’s given some of his key players too much freedom in the open court and there was a lack of discipline in the halfcourt offense come nitty gritty time.

With all of the players he’s coached now in the pro’s, I think it’s reasonable to say the program has underachieved

By: kj

kj — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:35:55 +0000

2006 was a disappointment.

In 2007 they did well just to make the tournament–having lost all their major contributors except Neitzel.

In 2008 they made the Sweet Sixteen and then lost to a very good team (albeit in ugly fashion).

There’s certainly no guarantee they’ll make a deep tournament run next year, but you’re basically basing your prediction on one year (2006).

By: Ryan Pravato

Ryan Pravato — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:18:11 +0000

In my opinion the last 3 years of tourney play has been very poor

For all the talent they’ve had, they should make more elite 8’s

Still an elite program, but falling a tad.

By: kj

kj — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:24:07 +0000

If you want to throw around the word “underachieve” with regards to MSU’s performance in conference play in recent years, fine. But I’d hardly say they’ve been underachievers in the NCAA tournament.

Since the three consecutive Final Four runs in 99-01, Izzo has a tournament record of 10-7 (.588). That’s not a stupendous winning percentage, but it’s more than respectable.

And this year’s team should have the depth to play Tom Izzo basketball and make a deep run in the tournament:

http://www.spartansweblog.com/2008/06/11/measuring-depth/