Finding a rhythm

After a few close wins at home, I must confess that I wasn't feeling too great about the potential outcome of yesterday's game against Miami.  Between our turnovers and the appearance of fatigue, it seemed like a trip to Miami would not be a restful stop for our guys.

When game time arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to find both Harris and Trice back in the line ups.  They would provide much needed rest for Appling as well as more offensive options.  While Harris and Trice both did their part (12 points and 9 points, respectfully), our big men, Payne and Nix, were near absent.  Their confidence seemed shaken and their presence in the paint would hardly scare a fly.

Though the Spartans cut down on their turnovers (only 12, compared to 20 in the last two games) and grabbed 16 offensive rebounds (that's second chance shots, people!) the loss is plain and simple: if you don't score, you don't win.  You can't go over five minutes without scoring when you are already down and expect to win.   But see, this is where you should turn to your Bigs, feed them in the paint, and create offense.  Instead, we ran the "Dribble-Pass" play, whose name speaks for itself.  And to be fair, our guards did feed Nix and Payne the ball but not much happened when they did.  Both only attempted five field goals the entire game.  

What's the point?  Our guys are lacking familiarity and routine with each other, which leads to a steady rhythm.  Part of why Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio State, are already so good is because they have a team that is not only solid but set as well.  Cody Zellar, Aaron Craft, and Tim Hardaway Jr. are playing with teams who aren't still figuring out whose in the starting line up.  In Izzo's words, "

"That was a hard game to coach. I didn't know how to approach it, and I probably didn't do a great job. It's going to get better once we get our rotation down. I still like where I think we've got a chance to go, but I sure don't like it right now."
 http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/ncaa/men/gameflash/2012/11/28/80081_recap.html?sct=cb_t2_a5#ixzz2DfhiMa7h

Our team has one of our most talented freshmen classes that we've seen in awhile and it will take time for Izzo and the team to figure out just how everyone will be played. The good news is that it will come eventually and as Izzo said, our team's potential is high, but last night was a low.

Watch MSU bounce back against Nicholls State on Saturday, December 1st!

Ah Izzo!

Top Izzo Quote Of The Week:


"I think our guys, they're going to be hell of citizens when they get done with basketball because they are guys that, the Christmas season must last all year," Izzo said. "They're not (merely) turning the ball over. They're giving gifts away.
"A turnover is when a team makes a play and intercepts it. A gift is when you give somebody something. You just give it to them. We're giving things to them right now."

http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2012/11/tom_izzo_michigan_state_giving.html

The Apple of Izzo's Eye

I’m making everyone, sports announcers and Izzo included, ‘I Heart Appling’ T-Shirts. Because right now, who doesn’t love Appling? Izzo loves him (“I’m not an easy guy to please, but I’m really proud of him. And he’s doing it in an exciting way.”) Reporters love him (just google Michigan State Basketball and you’ll notice that every headline includes the name Keith Appling). Even the opposing teams’ coaches love him (“Keith Appling was terrific tonight,” Kansas coach Bill Self said). The Appling love, however, stems from more than just his stats and clutch plays. It’s because Appling became a hero by doing it the ‘right way’. He listened to his coaches, worked hard, dedicated himself to both ends of the court, and became ‘a man’ (Izzo’s words, not my own!). In other words, Appling is an ideal player for Izzo. In addition, he’s humble, a joy to watch play, and TOUGH (just ask Izzo!). 

“The one thing I don’t worry about is that’s one tought hombre”, Izzo said of Appling. “I would’ve told him the same thing I told Cleaves: ‘Have a sprained ankle, just do it after the game. I don’t have time for it right now.’ I love that about Appling. He’s tougher than nails.”

With Trice and Harris out (update: Trice will hopefully be returning this Wednesday and Harris will not need surgery and could return Wednesday or soon after!!!!), Appling has had to greatly step up his minutes. While the man must be exhuasted, he has been playing like a little Detroit raised Energizer Bunny. And Izzo and I couldn’t be prouder!

It's Appling's time to shine. Go State!

Next up: MSU takes on Miami (FL) in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge at 7:30 pm Wednesday, November 23

Mike Carter/U.S. PRESSWIRE

http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2012/11/michigan_states_keith_appling_19.html

Not individual stars but a team

As I was sitting on the train heading to my brother's for Thanksgiving, I ran across the following article

Some Things Don't Change by Howard Byrant.  This is one of the best articles on Tom Izzo and his career as Head Coach of MSU men's basketball.  Don't take my word for it...READ IT!  Bryant quotes,

"Izzo has won consistently without the Kentucky-Duke formula of top-two or -three recruiting classes or obvious next-level talent...Yet there are the Spartans, somewhere in the top 15 or 20 annually to start the year, growing stronger as the year goes on, winding up in the top five or a 1-seed."

What's Bryant's point?  Izzo recruits talented players, no doubt, but his aim isn't to find NBA-ready players to secure his spot in the Final Four.  He instills in his players somewhat old-school values: toughness, team-work, and appropriate selflessness.  Those boys work hard.  Period.  These aspects have been discussed in earlier posts so I won't elaborate too much, but it was this exact formula that brought the Spartans another W last night against Oakland.  

Honestly, it wasn't a pretty win.  The game should have been a blow out but due to an obscene amount of turnovers, Oakland was always in reach, until the end.  With Harris and Trice still out, Appling played another brilliant game.  In 38 minutes, he led the team in scoring with 20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and only one turnover.  Hats off to Appling.  But lets face it, in order for MSU to really make a deep run this year, we need more than just Appling playing well each game.

ENTER Payne and Valentine.  Both players played with great poise and patience.  Payne not only scored at the rim but made some impressive jump shots as well, making him more than just a threat in the paint. Valentine, with the excitement of playing against older brother, Drew, in front of a home crowd, played like he owned the Breslin.  The young freshman put up a double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds) and appeared all over the court.  His youthful energy lifted the Spartans near the end when they really needed to pull away from Oakland and claim the game as theirs.

The Spartans continual challenge will be to limit the number of turnovers.  At one point, the announcer shared that we had made 20 baskets and also committed 20 turnovers.  Those have got to go.  I trust Izzo is working on that with his boys.  Making wise decisions under pressure is called maturity and with a young, inexperienced team, mistakes are bound to happen, and at a relative high rate.  The rate will start to drop as the season progresses.

Question is: Who will step up next game?

Next up: Louisiana-Lafayette.  GO STATE!

During Action

This post is coming during the action rather than after.  The following excerpt may be a mixed bag of many thoughts rather than one cohesive point.  My apologies.  This game is up and down and filled with some thrilling plays (thank you Dawson!) and annoying frustrations (elbows above the shoulder, for example).

To start, having Harris out for the game has clearly thrown off our rhythm, the little rhythm we had begun to feel this season.  For a freshman player to already have such a deep impact on a team says a lot about this young player.

There's more: WHERE IS OUR DEFENSE?!? The Broncos have had FAR too many open looks.  I'm not just talking about our defense not putting a hand up, I'm talking about Bronco players being completely alone.  You would think our guys ate Thanksgiving dinner before the game!  Add to that their second-chance shots from offensive rebounding, and its no wonder that this is actually a "good game" rather than a blow out.  We have seen great defensive stops from Dawson and Appling, who are golden when it comes to anticipating the opposing offense.  They read, get their hands in, and go for the steal.  Thank you.

Free throws?  Let's make 'em.

Valentine.  I can't wait to see what the Izzone puts on posters for this guy with a last name like that.  But besides his last name, that boy's got talent.  Sure. Sure.  He could be more consistent.  But he's a freshman and similar to Harris, I'm excited to see what he brings as the season progresses.  He had some key plays down the stretch.

Payne.  I love it when you fire up and use your frame.  And when you bank a shot in from the free throw line.  It makes you more than a post player.

Dawson.  That one-handed swoop dunk best make the highlight reel on Sports Illustrated tonight.  That boy has flash like Jason Richardson.  Its been awhile.

I'm starting to calm down a bit.  Game is almost over.  Appling does what he does best: finish.

Ahhhh former Spartans:)

Too good to not post! Take a minute to join in the laughter! Includes Draymond Green's FIRST NBA basket...and technical foul.

Draymond Green and Zach Randolph

I Am Thankful For a Strong Guard Duo!

I spent the MSU-Texas Southern game on an airplane and.....the horror....Frontier Airlines did not show the game!! To land with the score alert of a 69-41 win popping up on my phone helped me kick off the Thanksgiving holiday with a fist pump. Seeing today that we are now ranked 15 was icing on the cake. And with Indiana, OSU, and UofM all ranked in the top 5, my anticipation for the Big Ten is rising to new levels. 

Now, after studying multiple resources to increase my understanding of the previous game that I so tragically missed.....let’s break it down and attempt to preview the upcoming MSU-Boise State game. I’d like to make the bold (or maybe not so bold anymore) prediction that we will be known this year for our strong guard duo of Appling and Harris. Harris continues to play like a confident veteran, leading the team againt Texas Southern with 19 points. He averages 16 points per game so far this season, making him only 1 of 3 players in MSU history to score double figures in his first three games. Appling came into this season with high expectations and a need to step it up for a team missing an irreplaceable player....yes, a moment of silence for Draymond Green. And step up he did. Appling averages 13.3 points per game and is top for assists at 3.7 per game. But more importantly, Appling’s dedication during the off season has paid off and he went from being 25% behind the 3 point line to 56%. That is a stat that has to make even Izzo smile (and not in the scary run for your life at halftime type way). That is Spartan dedication and strength. 

This Tuesday we face Boise State. MSU does well against Boise State this year so I’m feeling confident! We are amidst a 4 home game streak. Our freshmen continue to show increasingly confidence, Appling is showing himself to be an experienced point guard, and Costello should be playing for more minutes. So yes, as I said, I feel confident. Boise State is said to also have a strong guard duo (remember the names Derrick Marks and Anthony Drmic for Tuesday’s game). I expect MSU’s to be better. In fact, I expect Harris and Appling to surpass expectations. Could be slightly bias:) In addition, whatever magic Marks and/or Drmic can work on the court, it will fizzle out when confronted with the likes of Dawson. That man is...JUST....THAT....GOOD! Do I even need to voice who I predict will come out victorious? 

As you sit down to watch the MSU-Boise State game (Tuesday at 8pm on the BTN), I present to you some questions to ponder:

When will we see Trice back and healthy? How will his combined summer illness and concussion impact his game this season?

Who will Izzo settle on for the starting lineup? Will it include Nix? 

How many Big Ten teams can we get into the top 25 this season? Top 10? Top 5? 

And....what do you think about Maryland and Rutgers joining the Big Ten!!!???

Resources of study include isportweb.com, espn.go.com

The Difference

Yesterday's thrilling win against Kansas, a 67-64 victory, gave a glimpse into the grit, passion, and sheer talent of the Michigan State Spartans basketball team.  How did the Spartans go from a disappointing 62-66 loss on Friday against unranked UConn to a win against talented, #7 ranked Kansas?  Its a fair question.  It certainly wasn't due to the Spartans solving their turnover problems-they committed two more errors against Kansas than against UConn.  Did Keith Appling light up the basket more than the game before?  Nope.  He had 19 points last night versus 17 points on Friday.  Appling does deserve special attention though after playing a solid game without his back up point guard, Trice, to give him needed rest.  Appling played with great energy, passion, and smarts.

And as Appling was, so was the rest of the team.  The team displayed considerable poise, confidence, and toughness for most of two full halves while these traits only showed up in the second against UConn.  Gary Harris looked more like a seasoned sophomore than a frightened first year and simple things like making layups and freethrows were more the norm than the exception.

But what really helped on Tuesday night was, to state the obvious, that the Spartans did not allow themselves to get in the hole 16 points before they woke up and decided to play.  The largest deficit against Kansas was seven points.  Rather than letting offense happen, they created offense.  Plays were made, rebounds grabbed, and loose balls chased after.  I'm not calling it a pretty game.  Spartans still committed 17 turnovers and our big men could score more, but for the second game of the season, I like what I see.    And if Izzo matures this team they way he matures every team under his tutelage, these Spartans will be more than a force to be reckoned with come March.

The Few (5 at at a time to be exact), The Proud, The Spartans!

Prior to the game on Friday, Izzo commented via radio that games like this (referring to playing before the military) help us to remember that sports/basketball is not life or death. Thank goodness! Those were words to recall for comfort during the first half of the Spartans opening game.  More assurance comes from remembering last year’s first two games (I know, I too tried to block some games from my memory), played by unranked Michigan State. The same team that later cut down the nets at the Big Ten Championship Tournament, claiming a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Like it or not, we save our time to shine for later in the season. So no, I’m not worried.

Speaking of shining, there were some shiny diamonds in the rough throughout the game, so here we are to put on our loyal Sparty smile and recall those moments and players. Hero of the game goes to Dawson. Dawson is healthy, he’s back with passionate energy and I expect him to just continue to get better as the season moves forward. As for the teamwork and leadership discussed in my previous blog.....I saw a lot of passing.....I also saw a lot of passing by us to UConn.....mmhmm, back to the loyal Sparty smile. :) We came back from behind by 16 points, Appling played long and hard, and Harris exhibited great confidence as a Freshman playing in a high profile first true game of the season. 

The game played Friday at Ramstein Air Base may not have been a life or death situation, but it was more than just a game. It honored our service men and women, it honored our veterans of past and present, it honored college basketball, and it honored Michigan State University. I was proud before AND after to be a Spartan. Proud to be an alumni of the university that played in BOTH the FIRST college basketball game played on an aircraft carrier (2011) and on a military base overseas. Win or lose, no matter what comes in the future (and I hope more games like Friday’s are to come), Michigan State made history. There will be no other “first games” of this kind. We were it. 

Mark Hollis and Tom Izzo have creatively and graciously paved the way for college basketball to be about more than just a game. What an honor to be able to be proud of an athletic program not solely due to it’s winning record (though what a record it is!!), but its integrity, patriotism, and drive to have its team play for more than just the points on the scoreboard. Pause and think about that for a minute. Got a Sparty smile on your face yet? Be proud to represent Michigan State University. Its basketball program has certainly represented it well. 

Go State, and Happy Veterans Day!

Some Mark Hollis Facts:

2001- Helped mastermind the MSU vs UofM outdoor hockey game at Spartan Stadium

2003- Architected the “BasketBowl”, MSU vs Kentucky at Detroit’s Ford Field (this concept of placing the court in a football stadium has been used in the last four Final Four games. 

2011- His vision led to MSU playing in the first basketball game played on an aircraft carrier

2012- Named Athletic Director of the Year by Street and Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal

Pure Michigan State Awesomeness Mark Hollis!

It's the classic sports plot: take a group of young, selfish players, who all think they're something and mix it with an inspiring, hard-nosed coach and voile! A true team forms.  Suddenly they go from disappointing losses to beating out their snobby, mean-spirited competition.  And somewhere in these made-for-hollywood teams, you have the quiet hero who doesn't get all the attention but somehow manages to make big plays when big plays are needed (usually right as the time is about to expire) and is willing to get less glory if it will help his team win.

Though Tom Izzo's squads may not be cut out for the Big Screen (though I'd be the first one in line to see "The Flint-Stones"), they almost fit the mold.  Join scrappy, cocky talent like Appling and Dawson with Izzo's high expectations and scary "smiles" to form a team ready to conquer the likes of University of Michigan, Kentucky, and Duke.  I'm picturing the trailer as we speak.  But one component is missing: whose the quiet hero of the team?  My pick? Travis Trice.

The six foot sophomore guard out of Ohio is spunky, quick, and sometimes, a step ahead of his team.  As a typical freshman, though mistakes were present for the young player, he also came in with fresh energy and impressive moves.  His no-look-behind-the-back passes not only caught his audience off guard but usually his team as well.  They weren't ready for him.  While Trice, in those moments, could have attempted to make a play for himself, he often chose his teammate instead.  Though his plan didn't always follow through, expect to see more of this action this season.  As Trice continues to develop telepathy with his teammates, his "trick" plays will be all the more impressive and enjoyable to watch.

Let me just present a possible scenario of what to expect from Trice this season: the Breslin is getting anxious and quiet as MSU is in need of a basket.  Someone needs to make a big play quick.  Appling dribbles the ball down the court and passes it off to Trice, who drives it in, almost making you believe he is about to attempt a layup against his 6'10" opponent.  At that moment, you realize your tortilla chip is in desperate need of salsa (assuming you're watching the game from home like most of us have to).  You glance away, dip your chip, and look back in time to see the ball being dunked single-handedly by...ADREIAN PAYNE?!?  Huh? Didn't Trice just have the ball? In watching the replay, you realize that at the moment of chip-dipping, Trice did one of his behind-the-back passes to Payne, who was waiting for him at the basket to smash the ball in with one hand.  Trice could have attempted two points for himself but instead, created offense.  He helped make the big play that got the Breslin to their feet.

Scrappy, impressive, fun, and less selfish than most, Travis Trice will be a quiet hero and perhaps even get louder as the season goes on.

Be a Good Teammate

It’s no surprise that after the emotional roller coaster of the past years of MSU basketball Izzo chose to plaster the statement “Be a Good Teammate” across the chest of his players.  Leadership. Teamwork. Chemistry. These qualities have been discussed almost as much as Nix’s weight loss during the preseason. Draymond, Cleaves....they both appeared to ooze leadership and teamwork with a smile on their faces. This year, we got a team brimming with young talent, lead by one captain that wears his emotions and gratitude for MSU, the team, and Izzo for the world to see, and another captain known for an astonishing ability to connect with each player. Where does this put the team in regards to leadership, teamwork, and team chemistry? According to Izzo, that is the number one question mark. And getting his players to be “really, really good teammates” is his self proclaimed “number one issue”. Yet, in my oh so wise opinion, Izzo sounds optimistic.....or as optimistic as Izzo can ever sound.

So what does it mean to ‘be a good teammate’? And what could that mean for the 2012-2013 MSU basketball season? According to Izzo, it means more than just leadership. It means caring about the program and your fellow players (in addition, Izzo describe at media day that it means preventing distractions rather than causing them. For the sake of my optimism, however, I’m going to avoid thinking about past dramas and the resulting build up of the Iowa State basketball team). In other words, it means playing for something/someone other than yourself (cue The Journey theme song). Remember back to the road to the National Championship game in Detroit? Remember watching a team step up during March Madness when their leader, Lucas, went down to an injury? Or when last years team brought back part of the Big Ten Tournament net for Dawson? Teamwork, being a good teammate, playing for more than oneself, it all makes a difference. 

This year we are filled with young, energetic talent. However, a talented player is one thing, a true team of “good teammates” is another. We’re hoping to see THAT be what makes the magic happen. Already there are signs that maybe, just maybe, Izzo can allow himself to be optimistic in his team meeting the expectation proclaimed upon their T-shirts. Word is that the freshmen are like brothers. Their personalities and skills appear to balance each other and they seem to actually enjoy spending time together and supporting one another. Both freshmen and upperclassmen talked of putting the goals of the team first, along with their role as a leader and team member. In addition, Nix and Byrd were unanimously voted as team captains by their own teammates due to their already exemplified commitment to the university, the team, and its players. However, being a good teammate in the off season is one thing. Putting it into practice to make a statement as a team during the season is another. I do not know what this season will bring, but I can’t think of a better place to put the team to the test than our game on Friday in Germany.

I’ll wrap up with a quote by freshman forward Matt Costello. It hints at what it means to be a good teammate. But more so, it makes me proud to be a Spartan....and go “awwwww!”

“Not many people get the opportunity to play basketball at Michigan State University, one of the top five programs in the nation. I can’t waste this opportunity that has been given to me. I need to take this time that God has gave me and use it to the best of my ability. I am blessed and honored to be part of this and don’t want to waste it.”

Go State!

quotes taken from coverage of MSU Basketball Media Day on msuspartans.com