Spartans plan to run, run, run
Apparently the intoxicating mix of five returning starters (including a preseason All-American) and three big-time recruits doesn't go as far as it once did.
Oh, it was good enough to earn Michigan State the nod as the Big Ten favorite and the No. 8 spot in The Associated Press' initial national poll.
But it wasn't sufficient for the Spartans to defeat Division II Grand Valley State in Friday's exhibition opener before a sellout crowd on MSU's home floor.
Perhaps that 85-82 double-overtime loss will be laughed off as a meaningless misstep five months from today, when two teams remain at the Final Four.
But for now it allows 13th-year coach Tom Izzo to put his foot on some necks on the practice floor.
"You know me," Izzo told reporters after the game. "It doesn't bother me who I start and who I play. I'm not threatening anyone, but we're not going to get outrebounded by teams anymore. We're not going to get outdefended anymore."
Izzo can make such threats because he has the depth to carry them out.
That wasn't the case a year ago when Michigan State nearly knocked off North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament's second round despite having an unrecruited walk-on as its eighth man.
Izzo, who loves to fastbreak and pressure and wear down his opponent in waves, had to play guards Drew Neitzel (the preseason All-American) and Travis Walton a combined 68.5 minutes per game.
Those Spartans slowed to a crawl, but now they're planning to run the ball.
Izzo brought in three top-40 guards -- speedy point Kalin Lucas, super shooter Chris Allen and high-flyer Durrell Summers -- to buttress the backcourt.
"We're going to run a lot this year," said Walton, who's overcoming a sports hernia that slowed his summer progress. "It's old-school Michigan State. I went back and watched a lot of tape of the '05 year and Mateen (Cleaves in 2000) and how they ran."
But while Michigan State seems loaded with perimeter threats -- don't forget sophomore small forward Raymar Morgan, who averaged 11.7 points last season -- Izzo said the big men will make or break the Spartans.
"To make a real good run, our bigs have to improve," Izzo said. "I put that on them all summer."
As if to prove his point, the Spartans were outrebounded 44-41 by smaller Grand Valley State as junior center Goran Suton and top backup Drew Naymick posted more fouls than rebounds.
Think they might be encouraged to do better by Michigan State's Nov. 13 opener against Chicago State?
The Spartans need to mend themselves quickly, since UCLA, Maryland and Missouri also are expected to reach the CBE Classic semifinals Nov. 19-20 in Kansas City.
Winning that final four would be a great start on getting to the Final Four, far more important than the Grand Valley State stumble.
"We had a nice break for a year, but I'm kind of ready for expectations to be high again," Izzo said. "I don't hide it. We should be a really good team."
Michigan State at a glance
Coach: Tom Izzo (278-121, 13th year at MSU)
2006-07 record: 23-12 (8-8 Big Ten, tied for seventh); Lost to North Carolina in NCAA Tournament second-round game.
Starters returning/lost: 5/0
Projected starters
• SF Raymar Morgan* 6-7 220 So. Ready to shine after averaging 9.2 points and 4.3 rebounds for USA's U-19 World Championship team.
• PF Marquise Gray * 6-8 235 Jr. If this athletic monster learns to bring it every night, beware.
• C Goran Suton * 6-10 245 Jr. Skilled big man has both a nice touch and ability to slash to the hoop.
• PG Travis Walton * 6-2 195 Jr. Great defender and facilitator, but he must show an improved outside shot.
• SG Drew Neitzel * 6-0 180 Sr. Everybody's All-American will challenge Charlie Bell's Big Ten record for games played (140).
*Returning starter
Toughest nonconference games: Nov. 28 vs. North Carolina State; Dec. 8 vs. BYU (at Salt Lake City); Dec. 22 vs. Texas (at Auburn Hills, Mich.)
Big Ten single games: at Wisconsin, vs. Michigan