I am worried about Tom Izzo

I am worried about Tom Izzo.

I am not worried about his ability as a coach. His accomplishments speak for themselves.

I am more worried about his well-

being.

I know Izzo has always been an animated and emotional coach, but this season seems different. The emotion and animation seems to be more out of anger and rage than joy and excitement.

I can probably count on my hand the number of camera shots I have seen Izzo look genuinely happy this season.

Michigan State came into 2013-14 with a lot of hype and a lot of expectations. There was also plenty of pressure. MSU entered this season needing to reach the Final Four for Izzo to avoid having a senior class go their entire four years in East Lansing without reaching the national semifinals.

On paper, MSU looked like it not only could contend for the Big Ten title, but also the national championship. Gary Harris is one of the top players in the country and Adreian Payne has developed into a dynamic player on both sides of the floor. Mix in some veteran leadership and a Big Ten title almost seemed like a guarantee, especially when Michigan lost Mitch McGary.

Things haven’t exactly worked out. MSU has now lost three of its last four and two straight at home to Nebraska and Illinois. Izzo has looked exceedingly dumbfounded with each loss and probably is aware that a season of “what could be” is quickly turning into a season of “what could have been.”

There is no doubt that Izzo wants a second national title. It would be the final piece to define his legendary run at Michigan State. Without it, he is still one of the greats, but most close to the program have expressed Izzo’s desire to earn that second title.

Saturday’s game was a bit of a wake-up call for me. I never expect Izzo’s teams to play like they did coming off a loss followed by a week off, especially when that loss came in embarrassing fashion against your rival.

Izzo’s messages are either not getting through, or State doesn’t have the talent. I think we all know they have the talent.

The yelling and screaming and hair pulling isn’t having the same impact it once had. It could be a generational thing, or it could be that Izzo’s message has run its course in East Lansing. Some players in this day and age don’t respond to Izzo’s style like athletes in the past may have. Thick skin certainly hasn’t been a trait of evolution.

Izzo won’t quit, but he can’t hide from what is happening this season. Blaming injuries and the media will only get you so far. Those excuses get hollow when the losses continue.

If this season ends in disappointment, which is hard to imagine it won’t at this point, I hope Izzo takes some time away from the court before getting ready for next season. If he can truly say he is still enjoying coaching right now, then I would hate to see what it is like for him when he isn’t enjoying it.

Izzo looks like he needs a recharge, or maybe even a clean slate with a new program. Maybe he even just needs to retire and take some time away from the game. I am not trying to say the man can’t coach, he absolutely can and is one of the greats in the game. But, I would like to see him step away from MSU before his legacy is damaged by disappointing seasons, or a health scare. Nothing in this life is worth putting that kind of stress on yourself, even a national title.

This talk could all be premature and Izzo could put together another magical run in March. All would be forgotten if that happened, but my thoughts on Izzo wouldn’t change. This season appears to have taken its toll on him.

Who should have the better 2013-14 season, Michigan or Michigan State?

It appears as if most of the dust has settled when it comes to which Michigan and Michigan State players are entering the NBA Draft.

Though Adreian Payne has yet to make his decision official, most signs point to Payne returning to the Spartans for his senior season.

If that is indeed the case, we can now start to take a look at how the Spartans and Wolverines are shaping up for the 2013-14 season.

The Spartans are largely the same team coming back from this past season, with the exception of the loss of Derrick Nix. Despite the loss of Nix, you can probably expect some development from the likes of Matt Costello and Branden Dawson.

Costello showed some signs of being a capable player once he shook the freshman nerves. Dawson has always been a great athlete, but he struggled this year with his touch on offense. Part of that could have been from coming off the knee injury. With a healthy offseason to improve his shot and work on his touch around the basket, I think Dawson should become a much better player.

The Spartans should also get some improvement out of the likes of Gary Harris, Travis Trice and Denzel Valentine. It is unclear if Keith Appling has hit his peak, but he certainly has shown the ability to be one of the best players in the Big Ten at times.

When it comes to Michigan, the Wolverines have a strong foundation returning with the trio of freshmen starters coming back. Nik Stuaskas, Glenn Robinson III and Mitch McGary will each need to step up in terms of offensive production with the loss of Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr.

I was surprised that Hardaway Jr. decided to go pro, just because I think he would have benefited from a year of being “the guy” for Michigan.

Along with the starters, Michigan will have Spike Albrecht, Caris LeVert, Jon Horford and Jordan Morgan back to help contribute. I think Morgan struggled all year due to his injuries, so a healthy Morgan could have a much greater impact.

The Wolverines will have to rely more on their incoming freshmen class than MSU. Part of that is because the Spartans don’t have much of a class and the other part is that the Wolverines will need help at point guard from Derrick Walton. Zak Irvin could also make an immediate impact at small forward.

Of the two teams, I think the bigger question marks come from Michigan. Will the loss of Burke be too great to overcome? Not only did he handle the ball and do the most scoring, he also did a good job of getting open looks for his teammates. McGary’s strong tournament run was aided by Burke, so it will be interesting to see if McGary can still be an offensive force if he has to create his own shots.

Both teams seem to be set for a good 2013-14 season, but it is unclear just how successful they will be.

Who do you think is primed to have the better 2013-14 season if the teams are built the way they currently are?

Which team is built to have a better 2013-14 basketball season?

Future uncertain for Michigan State after "disappointing" 2012-13 season

This was an interesting season for the Michigan State basketball team.

There were times where it looked like the Spartans weren’t going to amount to much, then there were times where it looked like MSU might be a national contender.

By standards of most programs, Michigan State had a good season, maybe even a successful one. The Spartans finished second in the most difficult conference, the Big Ten, and reached its fifth Sweet 16 in six years.

But, those aren’t accomplishments worth applauding thanks to the standards of Tom Izzo.

The Spartans didn’t claim any championship this year and didn’t reach a Final Four. Those are the standards Izzo has created for the program through the years.

Michigan State was capable of beating Duke in the Sweet 16, but it didn’t get the job done.

Adding to the sting of the end of the season for Spartan fans is seeing Michigan reach the Final Four for the first time since 1993.

Like it or not, Michigan has made a lot of progress in the in-state rivalry the past few years and the Wolverines have a potential to win the national title, which would give John Beilein as many titles as Izzo.

That’s not to say Beilein is a better coach, but there has to be some concern within the MSU program about where things are heading.

The Spartans could be very good next year if the team stays intact. However, it is not certain that that will be the case.

Derrick Nix is the lone senior and his departure will be felt. He provided strength in the paint and had developed into a nice offensive option this season with his scoring and passing.

The Spartans may get more athletic in the paint next season, but I don’t know that they will have the interior passing presence like they had in Nix this season and Draymond Green prior to that.

ESPN’s NBA Draft guru, Chad Ford, has two Spartans listed as potential first round picks if they elect to leave early.

Freshman guard Gary Harris is currently listed as the 10^th best prospect in this year’s draft. Ford believes Harris is a lock to be a lottery pick if he elects to leave MSU.

Junior forward Adreian Payne is listed as the 40^th-best prospect for the draft by Ford. Payne’s athleticism and size, along with his ability to shoot from the outside, make him an interesting option for NBA teams. Though unpolished, Payne has plenty of upside.

Due to a recruiting class for 2013 that currently features just one player, three-star center Gavin Schilling, Michigan State can’t really afford to see Harris or Payne leave. Harris will likely develop into MSU’s top scoring option for next season and Payne is crucial to keep on the roster with Nix already gone.

If MSU can keep Payne and Harris around, we might be talking about another Final Four run for the Spartans at this time next year. If not, there may be more disappointment to come.

How would you grade MSU's 2012-13 season?

Michigan State vs. Duke Breakdown & Prediction

No. 3 Michigan State vs. No. 2 Duke

Time: 9:37 p.m.

Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium

TV: CBS

Records: Michigan State 27-8; Duke 29-5

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Keith Appling (13.3 ppg); Rebounds – Adreian Payne (7.5 rpg); Assists – Appling (3.4 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.6 spg).

Duke stat leaders: Points – Seth Curry (17.3 ppg); Rebounds – Mason Plumlee (10.0 rpg); Assists – Quinn Cook (5.4 apg); Steals – Cook (1.5 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan State W2, Duke W2

Point Spread: Duke -2.5

Prediction: This game certainly feels bigger than a Sweet 16 contest. Two of the most successful programs in college basketball, with two of the best coaches, meeting up tonight. There is no question that Michigan State can win this game. Duke is good, but I don’t think the Blue Devils are any better than the Spartans on paper. MSU matches up well with Duke in my opinion. I think the Spartans have the bodies to keep Mason Plumlee from controlling the paint, and I think they have the athletic guards and forwards to pose problems for Seth Curry. If Michigan State makes a commitment to defending the perimeter, it should win this game. Part of this game will be determined by how well Duke shoots. The Blue Devils haven’t been lighting it up from 3-point land as of late, but can certainly get hot. I question how strong Keith Appling’s shoulder will be in this game and I am not sure if Gary Harris can continue to shoot well on the outside. This is the biggest game of Harris’ career, and the freshman could get lost in the moment. At the beginning of the tournament I picked Duke to win this game. I actually feel better about the Spartans’ chances, but I am going to stick with my original pick. I think Duke will shoot lights out and be able to fend off MSU. Duke 70, Michigan State 67.

Northwestern at Michigan State Breakdown & Prediction

Northwestern at No. 10 Michigan State

Time: 6 p.m.

Venue: Breslin Center

TV: Big Ten Network

Records: Northwestern 13-17, 4-13 Big Ten; Michigan State 23-7, 12-5

Northwestern stat leaders: Points – Drew Crawford (13.5 ppg); Rebounds – Jared Swopshire (6.7 rpg); Assists – Dave Sobolewski (3.9 apg); Steals – Reggie Hearn (1.2 spg).

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Keith Appling (13.4 ppg); Rebounds – Adreian Payne (7.6 rpg); Assists – Keith Appling (3.7 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.6 spg).

Current Streaks: Northwestern L7, Michigan State W1

Point Spread: Michigan State -19.5

Prediction: Michigan State could have everything to play for tonight if Michigan takes care of business against Indiana. If the Indiana-Michigan game is close, the Spartans won’t know for sure what the Big Ten situation looks like at the tip of its game, so they should go in with the attitude that this game is for the title. Northwestern has been a mess the last month and the Wildcats are probably looking to get the regular season over with quickly. With it being senior day for MSU, I don’t see the Spartans lacking energy on the floor. They should be able to take care of business right from the start. I don’t feel comfortable saying MSU will cover this lofty spread, but I do see it winning comfortably. Michigan State 62, Northwestern 47

Wisconsin at Michigan State Breakdown & Prediction

No. 22 Wisconsin at No. 10 Michigan State

Time: 9 p.m.

Venue: Breslin Center

TV: ESPN

Records: Wisconsin 20-9, 11-5 Big Ten; Michigan State 22-7, 11-5

Wisconsin stat leaders: Points – Jared Berggren (11.6 ppg); Rebounds – Ryan Evans (7.6 rpg); Assists – Traevon Jackson (2.7 apg); Steals – Jackson (1.1 spg).

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Gary Harris (13.3 ppg); Rebounds – Adreian Payne (7.4 rpg); Assists – Keith Appling (3.8 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.7 spg).

Current Streaks: Wisconsin L1, Michigan State L3

Point Spread: Michigan State -4

Prediction: Michigan State has gotten rid of that stigma that Wisconsin had over it. The Spartans have won four straight over the Badgers and I think it will be five after tonight. Wisconsin can be a dangerous team and will challenge MSU with its defense, but the Spartans will also pose a problem defensively for Wisconsin. The Badgers don’t have enough solid outside shooting to keep pace with Michigan State’s athleticism. With MSU knowing it needs to win out to potentially get a share of the Big Ten title, I see the Spartans taking care of business. It may not be pretty, and it rarely is against Wisconsin, but MSU gets the nod. Michigan State 57, Wisconsin 50

Is Oladipo the clear Big Ten Player of the Year?

A lot of the debate following Indiana’s win over Michigan State on Tuesday night has been more about “is Victor Oladipo the Big Ten Player of the Year” as opposed to the importance of the win for the Hoosiers.

In regards to the win, it was huge for Indiana. The Hoosiers are now the clear favorite to win the Big Ten, and likely have at least a share of the title.

But, this blog is about the B1G Player of the Year and if Oladipo is in fact the deserving winner right now.

Here is a look at the guys that appear to be the leading candidates:

Victor Oladipo, Indiana – Oladipo isn’t the top scorer on his own team, or even the leading rebounder, but he does so many things that impact the game. Right now he is averaging 14 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.4 steals per game. He is also shooting 63.9 percent from the field and an impressive 51.1 percent from 3-point land. He leads the Big Ten in steals by a significant mark. He ranks in the top 15 of the Big Ten in points, rebounds and blocks. He is a great on-the-ball defender and has tremendous instincts when it comes to making plays on either side of the ball. Though he wasn’t spectacular in the two conference losses, he has come up big in Indiana’s biggest wins. He had 19 points last night against MSU, 26 at Ohio State, 15 against Michigan and 21 at home against the Spartans. He has also had 15 steals in those four games.

Trey Burke, Michigan – Burke is likely the best overall offensive player in the conference. He averages 18.6 points per game, which is second in the conference. Burke is also leading the conference in assists, as 6.9 per game, which is more than 2 assists per game better than any other player in the conference. Burke is also tied for eighth in the Big Ten in steals while shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from 3-point land. Despite all the impressive numbers, Burke lacks the big victories that Oladipo has. Burke hasn’t been disappointing in Michigan’s losses, but he also hasn’t been able to get Michigan a big win on the road. It’s not necessarily his fault, but it will likely cost him the Big Ten Player of the Year Award.

Cody Zeller, Indiana – Zeller is going largely unnoticed due to the buzz surrounding Oladipo. However, Zeller leads the Hoosiers in points (16.6 ppg), rebounds (8.1 rpg) and blocks (1.3 bpg). Zeller is also shooting 58.8 percent from the field. It would be interesting to find out just how much Zeller impacts what Oladipo can do, but the fact is he lacks the flash that Oladipo has. Zeller can make some big plays, but the perception is that he is a bland player that you sometimes forget is on the floor. There is a belief that he is soft, and he just doesn’t appear to be as impactful on a game as his teammate.

Deshaun Thomas, Ohio State – Thomas isn’t going to win this award, but he is worth noting as a candidate. He is leading the conference in scoring at 20.1 points per game and he also pulls down 6.2 rebounds per game. He essentially all the Buckeyes can rely on when things get tough. Aaron Craft is a great defender, but can’t score consistently. Thomas hasn’t disappeared in games this year either. He has scored in double figures in every game. If his point totals get low, it is more likely because he isn’t getting the ball as opposed to he is afraid of the challenge.

I didn’t list anyone from Michigan State or Wisconsin on here because neither has a clear-cut candidate. I would have said Keith Appling prior to him disappearing against Indiana for the second time this season. I’d also argue that Gary Harris has surpassed him as MSU’s top player.

When it comes to the Badgers, they just do it all as a team. You really can’t look at their stats and roster and say that they have one individual that truly dominates the others.

When all is said and done, I still feel Oladipo is the best player in the conference, and maybe the nation. He does all the little things that you don’t often see from top players. He also is still improving as a player, which is why Indiana is getting stronger as the season moves on. He may have a better cast of teammates around him, but that is always likely the case when it comes to Player of the Year awards.

So, who do you think is the top player in the B1G this season?

Who should be the B1G Player of the Year

Early thoughts on Michigan State's basketball season

Michigan State is off to an 8-2 start through 10 games.
Given some of the tough opponents early on, I think that is a pretty reasonable mark for the Spartans at this point in the season.
MSU handed Kansas its only loss of the season, and the two losses for the Spartans have come against 1-loss Miami and 2-loss Connecticut.
Still, Michigan State has had some shaky performances, with the narrow wins over Boise State and Lafayette coming to mind.
As a team, it is still quite hard to say what Michigan State is. At times they have looked brilliant. Other times they have looked awful.
It won’t surprise me if MSU ends up being a team that plays to the level of its competition throughout Big Ten play.
I don’t think the Spartans will get blown out, but I don’t see them having the all-around talent to light up many teams in the conference either.
Gary Harris has been as good as Michigan State could hope for from a true freshman. He is second on the team in scoring (13 ppg) and shooting 53.3% from the field. MSU was a noticeably different team when he was not playing due to a shoulder injury.
Keith Appling has been the team leader, which was expected. He is averaging 14.6 points per game and also leading the team in assists, with 45. Appling has still had his rough moments on the floor, though, and I am not completely sold that he is a players capable of leading MSU to a championship.
I do give credit to the development of Adreian Payne. He has been more impactful than I expected and he is also shooting 89.5 percent from the charity stripe, which is a great stat for a man of his size.
The Spartans have the potential to be great, but they face an uphill climb in the Big Ten. The majority of games in conference play will be a battle and the Spartans are relying on some young talent to be durable throughout the season.
The key to the season will be in leadership, and whether or not Appling can handle to the role of the go-to player. We all know he can score, but being a leader is about more than that.