Not only did lightning quick (tell that to Ty Lawson) sophomore guard Kalin Lucas struggle, virtually no points came from Michigan State’s frontline, and to make matters worse, the Ford Field crowd had the intensity of a mid-August Royals crowd at Kauffman Stadium.

Spartans Weblog author kj was actually at the drubbing,

…the environment at Ford Field didn’t help. The sparse crowd (relative to the size of the arena) never gave the team any kind of emotional lift. At one point in the second half, the crowd gave a Bronx cheer after a made field goal–something I’ve never witnessed in my years of attending MSU basketball games.

So we’ll give the team a gigantic pass on the final twenty minutes of the game.

Watching the Spartans from time to time so far this season, I get the feeling this team is missing one ingredient. I believe that one ingredient is a healthy and explosive Delvon Roe. Once he gets back that extra lift he had prior to the knee surgery, look out. He’s currently averaging 5.5 rebs/gm and 1.2 blk/gm. He’s shown some flashes. He has a high basketball IQ.

Unfortunately for State fans Delvon won’t be back at full strength until next season. Wait, actually that’s a great thing.

Just think about next season …

Jr. Kalin Lucas
Jr. Chris Allen
Jr. Durrell Summers
Sr. Raymar Morgan (iffy)
So. Delvon Roe
So. Korie Lucious
So. Draymond Green

Not even counting the couple solid freshmen coming in.

I know I know, it’s not always about next season. Predictable trap everyone gets sucked into at certain times.

But next season does look good for Sparty.

Post from: EveryJoe

Spartans not looking so mighty

In no particular order and in no particular feeling of confidence either:

**** Scoff at it, just get mad at it UofA fans. Your team will lay an egg this year but totally get hot and win the NIT.

^ Addition by subtraction in Texas—ludicrous to say maybe, but D.J. and A.J. were beguiling wonders on the court that irrevocably held back the Longhorns from placing more impactful punches against stronger fighters.

$ The Spartans will further cement themselves as the college version of the 21st century Detroit Pistons. Each has won one championship, yet both fan bases are becoming impatient with the standstill success. So much talent yet so little to show for it.

#!#@ Calling Conference USA a power conference was a little wishful. That statement, although made while sober, still feels dirty, but it could end up alright. Just hoping Vaden or some other power conference guy can make a run at the scoring title.

? Calling Northwestern a NIT team was an undemonstrative springboard to tomfoolery, as this season I will probably be glued to all news NW basketball, akin to the energy I gave them during the Jitim Young and Tavaras Hardy days.

(Preview of Big Ten season)—Probably the most accurate prediction of the Big Ten season as you will find, minus the Michigan placement. No Big Ten quality pg will be available to suit up for the Wolvies until the second semester.—-

% Hasheem Thabeet is ready for a monster year and a long run into the tourney. It would not be surprising to see the Huskies stay in the top 5 for the entire season, especially if Thabeet can average 14.5ppg, 9 reb and more than 4 blk. Just think about the terror an offensively skilled Thabeet would be.

高人 Speaking of impact big men, one should keep an eye out for UNC-Asheville’s Kenny George. When fresh, he’s really not much different than your rudimentary 7 foot center, except for the fact George can regularly hit free throws and, while this might not seem feasible, still surprises many guards with his length. After awhile you’d think they would find new ways to attack a 7’7 dude, but often they make the same mistake over and over. However the time to attack George is when he’s sucking major air. Not exactly an original idea, yet, for huge guy, the opportunities present themselves much more frequently.

It’s almost as of George has decent enough foot speed to move laterally and react, but it’s the body that often takes awhile to catch up. If the coach can really substitute him frequently and wisely, UNC-Asheville will be the best in the Big South.

The next two are direct matchup predictions.

$$$ The Big Ten will once again fall to the superior ACC and it will, as it has always been, be because of the significant back of the conference weakness’s of the Big Ten. Need I go further?

\&/ The Fighting Irish will beat the Tar Heels in the finals of the Maui Invitational.

So with that out of the way,

#1

My pick to win the whole enchilada.

Discuss.

photo credit: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Ahhh Finally

Well, undrafted players will be able to pick and chose the most ideal situation. They get to decide which team they go to. Drafted players don’t get to decide.

Michigan State’s Drew Neitzel

Drew played both point and shooting guard during his career at MSU. He’s a small guy, only about 6’, not very athletic, but very basketball savvy. Can shoot it as well as anybody in the draft –off the dribble as well– plus he can handle the point sufficiently. If he goes undrafted, he can choose to latch onto a team that might need some guard help. I see Drew as an eventual NBA player, but just not this year. My prediction, undrafted.

Duquesne’s Shawn James

Shawn James was one of the best shot blockers in college last year. He’s about 6’10, probably more like 6’9. He very well could be drafted, but I wouldn’t put money on it. I see Shawn turning into a Justin Williams type of player in the league. I feel a little more confident in predicting that James will be on a NBA roster come the start of next season (without getting drafted) than I do about Neitzel. James will have to show teams that he can continue to add strength (225lbs) to his frame. My prediction, Drafted in 2nd round.

IUPUI’s George Hill
Guy is an undersized two guard who is best fitted to play point in the NBA. He did play the point at IUPUI, but I see him having more of a two guard mentality. I really thought he would return to school and improve his point guard skills, but he obviously thinks he has a chance to be drafted. And he very well could, especially considering he played well at the Orlando Pre-Draft camp last month. His decision to come out early could be damaging to his future hopes of playing in the league, as James’ decision could be too. My prediction, undrafted.

For some solid NBA Finals coverage and reaction on b5media, head on over to GirlsDigSports, NBA Obsessed, and Hoops Fantasy.

Post from: EveryJoe

Potential NBA draftees who would be better off NOT getting drafted