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
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