2008 Michigan State Spartans Basketball Preview

The Michigan State Spartans (27-9 overall, 12-6 Big Ten) look to once again be a contender. Coach Tom Izzo thought his team would do better than their fourth-place Big Ten finish last season. They certainly seemed to have the manpower to do so. This year, the club could finish in first or second-place.

Center Goran Suton (26.6 MPG, 9.1 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, 55.1 FG%, 77.6 FT%), who is now a senior, managed eight double-doubles last season. Look for more of the same in 2008-2009. Suton has a fine touch as a scorer and has worked to improve his three-point shot over the summer. Freshman Devon Roe looks to play power forward. He’ll use his strength, skill and quickness to drive to basket and score. Senior forward Marquise Gray (13.1 MPG, 4.3 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 0.3 APG. 60.7 FG%, 65.0 FT), who possesses decent rebounding skills, has plenty of experience. Senior center Idong Ibok (5.4 MPG, 0.5 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 0.0 APG, 50.0 FG%, 40.0 FT%), at six-foot-eleven, is a sound defensive player.

In the backcourt, sophomore point guard Kalin Lucas (25.1 MPG, 10.3 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 3.8 PG, 43.1 FG%, 76.8 FT%) is a sound passer and fine shooter. The versatile point man can drive to the rim and score, hit from medium range and connect from downtown an average of 36.4% of the time. Sophomore Durrell Summers (10.9 MPG, 4.9 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 0.6 APG, 50.4 FG%, 74.5 FT%) is solid from beyond the three-point arc, and he also offers a fine jump shot. Junior shooting guard Raymar Morgan (27.7 MPG, 14.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.6 APG, 55.8 FG%, 67.2 FT%) is best driving to the basket. His perimeter shot needs work.

This is a team that can bang and pound the boards while playing tough “D.” They also have a fine backcourt. The Sweet 16, Elite Eight or Final Four are all possible. First-place in the conference is also within their reach and a second or third place finish is just about given. The club has a wealth of seniors, juniors and sophomores, and if they stay focused, they could go very far in 2008-2009.