Tag: Michigan State Basketball

MSU Basketball squares off against Virginia Tech: Five Most Important Players

Michigan State plays Virginia Tech in the first round of the Maui Jim Maui Invitational. Here are the five most important Spartan players.

Folks, it’s that special time of year. The Maui Jim Maui Invitational is here! Michigan State faces off against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first round at the Lahaina Civic Center tomorrow at 5 P.M.

Here are the five most important players for MSU in this game:

Xavier Tillman

Outside of the talent disparity, Virginia Tech’s roster is not all that different from Kentucky’s roster. They have a strong Guard rotation on the perimeter. Down low though, Virginia Tech lacks depth. Michigan State must take advantage of this flaw. This is why Xavier Tillman is the most important Spartan in this game.

Tillman is averaging 12 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists on 48.6% shooting from the floor. Xavier should clean the glass all game long. Virginia Tech’s defense will close in on Tillman and this frees up the guards. He must inflict his will upon this game.

Aaron Henry

As I noted in my scouting report, Landers Nolley is the best Hokies basketball player. Cassius Winston and Rocket Watts are the better Guard defenders, but, both are too smaller for Nolley. Henry appeared to hurt both of his ankles in a freak play against Charleston Southern. After the game, Henry stated he was completely fine.

I think Izzo will call on Henry to matchup against Landers. Nolley has a slightly bigger frame than Henry. Henry stands at 6’6″ and Nolley stands at 6’7″. What’s most important is that Aaron can keep with Landers driving to the rim. How Henry handles this matchup is huge for Michigan State.

Malik Hall

Malik Hall is not just fun to watch, he is now vital to the Spartan’s offense. Hall makes high-energy plays on the boards in every single game. All the while, he can shoot the three at a very effective clip.

Much like Tillman, I expect Hall to have quite the game against Virginia Tech. He can exploit the lack of Forward depth by stretching out the defense. This opens up the lane for Winston to attack. Meanwhile, he’s washing windows all day long.

Gabe Brown

Gabe Brown’s importance in this game is quite similar to Aaron Henry’s importance. As a 6’7″ Forward, Brown will be asked to guard Landers Nolley at various points in this game. He must be ready for this responsibility. We all know him for high flying dunks. Can he defend at a high level against a spectacular scorer like Nolley? We’re all about to find out.

Foster Loyer

Okay, hear me out. I know fans think Foster Loyer has underperformed this year, but, that does not shrink his level of importance. As I mentioned earlier, the Virginia Tech roster is guard-heavy. Cassius Winston can only play so many minutes. So MSU will call on Foster Loyer at certain points in this game.

Loyer certainly must play better in this game than he has so far on the year. He needs to shoot the ball better from a distance. More importantly, he must play with confidence. Loyer can pass and can attack the rim. His development as a secondary playmaker to Winston is crucial for the Spartans.

You’ll note, I did not include Cassius Winston on this list. At this point, Winston is consistent in performance. He will show up against Virginia Tech. It’s more important for all of his Spartan teammates also play at a high level. Kentucky trapped Winston as much as possible and forced the ball out of his hands. He will rely heavily on teammates to deliver on crucial possessions

Michigan State takes on Virginia Tech tomorrow at 5 P.M. You can catch this game on ESPN2.

Stay with us on SpartansWire for coverage of this game and all the Spartan basketball info you need.

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MSU Basketball vs. Virginia Tech: Scouting Report

Michigan State Basketball faces off against Virginia Tech on Monday, Nov. 25 in Hawaii. Here is a scouting report of the Hokies team.

Michigan State basketball has landed in Hawaii for the Maui Invitational. Their first game is against the undefeated, 5-0, Virginia Tech Hokies on Monday, Nov. 25. This will be a tough out for the Spartans as the Hokies boast a solid roster.

Here is a scouting report of the Virginia Tech Basketball team:

Landers Nolley

Let’s start with the best player on the Hokies roster, Landers Nolley. Nolley is a 6’7″, 230-pound freshman Guard from Atlanta, GA. Yes, you read that right. Nolley is a towering guard that scores from all levels. He can get to the basket with dribble moves and shoots long-range shots at an efficient clip.

Nolley will be a test for Michigan State on defense. If healthy, Aaron Henry will definitely guard Nolley for most of this game. If not, MSU might be in trouble. So far, Nolley leads his team with 20.2 points per game. He also averages 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.2 steals. Most impressive, he is shooting 45.9% from three-point land and 50% from the field.

The Landers Nolley matchup is quite an interesting one. We’ll have to wait and see what Izzo cooks up.

Small Ball Domination

As I mentioned earlier, the Hokies are 5-0 on the year.  their guards lead the team in numerous statistical categories. Virginia Tech guards lead the team in points, assists, steals, and even rebounds! So there is no doubt that Virginia Tech will run some sort of small-ball lineup.

Junior Guard Wabissa Bede leads the Hokies in both assists and steals with eight and 1.4 respectively. He is a perfect balance to Nolley’s impressive offensive skills. Wabissa handles the other teams best guard on the perimeter. That way, Nolley does not need to carry the team on both ends.

Wabissa also shoulders the playmaking load with that staggering eight assists. For comparison, Cassius Winston is averaging 7.0 assists on the year. Virginia Tech’s next leading scorer behind Nolley is freshman Guard Nahiem Alleyne. He averages 12.6 points on 46% from the floor.

Lastly, it is important to point out freshman Tyrece Radford. At 6’2″, Radford leads Virginia Tech in rebounds with seven per game. Now, this means Michigan State can dominate down low. Both Malik Hall and Xavier Tillman can clean the glass all game long for the Spartans.

Michigan State takes on Virginia Tech at 5 P.M. Eastern Time. You can catch this game on ESPN 2.

Stay locked on Spartans Wire for more coverage of this game and all things MSU basketball.

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Michigan State HC Tom Izzo resigns from NABC Board of Directors

It was announced this morning that Michigan State Men’s Basketball transfer Joey Hauser had lost his waiver appeal to play this year after transferring from Marquette. Head coach Tom Izzo has disapproved of the entire process and the final result …

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It was announced this morning that Michigan State Men’s Basketball transfer Joey Hauser had lost his waiver appeal to play this year after transferring from Marquette. Head coach Tom Izzo has disapproved of the entire process and the final result has led him to resign from the post he has served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Basketball Coaches.

“I can’t get into specifics, but in looking at the way waivers were approved and denied and then studying like I have, the old standard of one or two reasons has just blown up,” Izzo said regarding his discontent with the transfer appeal process. “Joey did have a strong case, and I’m devastated, if you want the truth. I did not think anything of it in August, because we weren’t gonna do anything. And then the family brought up what’s going on in different places. And seeing what’s been going on and talking to some coaches, I’m devastated for him to have to sit out his second season in three years, because he did (enroll at Marquette) early. I do believe we have a tight team, and we’re gonna get through it. And he’s gonna get through it.”

Izzo had served on the board since 2000 and even held the role of president in 2010-11.

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Michigan State Basketball’s Joey Hauser waiver appeal officially denied by NCAA

Joey Hauser’s waiver appeal to the NCAA has officially been denied. He will not play basketball this season.

The saga of the Joey Hauser waiver appeal to play after transferring from Marquette to Michigan State has officially concluded with a result that may annoy and frustrate MSU fans, faculty, and players: the star basketball player’s appeal has officially been denied by the NCAA.

The result and process, which head coach Tom Izzo repeatedly voiced his displeasure of, has led to him resigning from the NABC Board of Directors in what seems to be a show of protest towards the confusing transfer rules in the NCAA.

Spartan fans won’t be able to see Hauser this year, but fortunately Malik Hall, Julius Marble, and Marcus Bingham Jr. all look ready to contribute something in his stead this season, if it’s any consolation.

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MSU blows out Charleston Southern: Three Key Takeaways

Michigan State basketball handled their business against Charleston Southern in a 94-46 win. Here are three key takeaways from this game.

Everyone relax, there is no need to overreact. Michigan State basketball shined in this blowout 94-46 victory over Charleston Southern, but, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The Spartans must focus on bigger opponents in the future like Virginia Tech & Duke.

Here are three key takeaways from this game:

Gabe Brown Is Here

Boy oh boy, Gabe Brown looks like a stud. Aaron Henry sat out with a sprained ankle. As a result, Brown played 28 minutes against Charleston Southern. Gabe scored 12 points on 5-7 from the floor. Plus, he tallied up 6 boards, one assist, and one block.

Brown’s development adds depth at the Forward position for Michigan State. Especially if he continues his solid defensive play. Opponents best Forwards will face either Aaron Henry or Gabe Brown as a matchup. That’s a tough ask. Best of all, Gabe looks incredibly confident on the floor.

Xavier Tillman Fulfilling Potential

There were some question marks coming into the season for MSU’s Center spot. I mean, most people would put money on Tillman starting, but, how good would he be? Well guys and gals, he is good.

Tillman ended the night with 21 points on 9-12 shooting from the floor along with 10 rebounds, four assists, and a block. He missed two threes but that’s okay, as long as he keeps taking them. As a Center, you must prove to defenders that you will take open threes. If not, the defense will not respect you from distance.

The most important stat here is definitely Tillman’s four assists. One Spartan must step up as a secondary playmaker in these games. Cassius Winston cannot be the lone playmaker or teams will easily scheme against MSU’s offense. Luckily, Tillman and Rocket Watts have both tallied up plenty of assists as of late.

Young Players Developing Confidence

There are a lot of young guys on this Spartan’s roster coming into their own. In particular, I think of Malik Hall, Rocket Watts, and Foster Loyer. Loyer has a long way to go, but, he is showing some flashes.

Malik Hall came back down to earth against Charleston Southern. Regardless, he still rebounded the ball extremely well and had a few put back points. He even found a few teammates for three assists. The Spartans need some energy off of the bench and Hall plays that role well.

Rocket Watts continues to get better and better each game. Especially when it comes to dishing the rock. Watts ended the night with six assists, including a sick alley-oop to Gabe Brown. Most impressive is his ability to rebound as a Guard. Expect big things from Watts in the tournament this year.

MSU’s next basketball game is against Virginia Tech on Nov. 25 at 5 P.M. You can catch this game on ESPN2.

Stay locked on SpartansWire for more basketball coverage to come.

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Game Recap: MSU Basketball handily beats Charleston Southern 94-46

Michigan State Basketball took care of business against Charleston Southern 94-46. Here is a quick recap of this game.

Michigan State Basketball handled their business against Charleston Southern with a 94-46 victory. This game was never close as the Spartans got out to a big lead early on. MSU made sure to pour it on all throughout the game.

Here is your game recap:

Per usual, Cassius Winston got the Spartan’s offense flowing tonight. He displayed impressive dribbling moves and consistently scored at the basket with ease. All the while, he fed teammates all over the court. Everyone on the Michigan State roster ate tonight thanks to Winston. In particular, Cassius found Xavier Tillman on a few different plays for easy buckets at the rim.

MSU doubled Charleston Southern’s points early on in the first half. Charleston Southern played hard, no doubt about that. They were just unable to score. As a result, Michigan State poured it on leading into the second half.

This is where the Spartans really got loose. MSU turned this game into a dunk fest. Gabe Brown and Marcus Bingham attacked the rim without any resistance all night long while Malik Hall continued his own impressive play. Best of all, Winston was not the only player dropping dimes in this game.

Rocket Watts found Gabe Brown in transition for a sweet alley-oop, converting on a high-effort defensive play. In particular, Watts looked more aggressive than ever before. He only converted four field goals but took an 14 shots which is what matters. Watts needs to develop his confidence and the jump shot will follow.

Now, there is one highlight that deserves special recognition. With eight minutes left in the second half, Gabe Brown threw down an absolutely vicious dunk. He went baseline and punished the rim like it stole his money. No joke, I expect to see this dunk on Sportscenter later tonight and tomorrow morning. Gabe Brown got up!

Michigan State ended this game with 31 assists on 36 field goals. Notable stat lines from this game belong to Xavier Tillman, Cassius Winston, and Rocket Watts.

Xavier Tillman ended the game with 21 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and one block. Cassius ended the game with 11 points, five rebounds, and eight assists. Finally, Rocket Watts put up 11 points along with seven rebounds and six assists.

After the game, Cassius Winston addressed the crowd after the passing of his brother, Zachary. Note, these are the first public comments since the death of his brother.

Here is a video per Kyle Austin of MLive:

Next, MSU travels to Hawaii for the Maui invitational. Their first game is against Virginia Tech on Nov. 25. This game starts at 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time.

As always, stay locked on SpartansWire for more coverage of MSU Basketball.

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Cassius Winston addresses Michigan State crowd after win over Charleston Southern

Michigan State’s Cassius Winston thanked the Spartan crowd for their support after the loss of his brother Zachary Winston.

Michigan State’s star point guard has had an emotional month. Last weekend, he lost his brother, Albion Basketball player Zachary Winston. Of course, all of Spartan Nation has expressed nothing but support for Cassius Winston, Khy Winston, and their entire family as Zachary was also a member of the Michigan State family. After today’s big win over Charleston Southern, Cassius Winston addressed the MSU crowd to show his appreciation for the support they showed him after the loss of his brother.

You can watch the video below:

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Michigan State Basketball’s Gabe Brown throws down huge dunk against Charleston Southern

MSU Basketball won big against Charleston Southern tonight and this Gabe Brown dunk says it all.

By the time you read this, Michigan State Men’s Basketball will have probably already beaten Charleston Southern. As I am typing this MSU is up 87-40 so I don’t think I’m jinxing anything by saying that. Anyway, this was a fun game and a nice change of pace from the drama-filled win over Seton Hall. In my favorite highlight of the game, Gabe Brown threw down a huge dunk over Charleston Southern, putting the exclamation point on a huge game.

You can watch it below:

Steven Izzo just checked in so this thing is over folks.

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Michigan State Basketball no. 3 in latest Amway Coaches Poll, passed by Duke, Louisville

MSU Basketball is placed at number three in the country in the latest Amway Coaches Poll, being passed by Duke and Louisville.

Michigan State Men’s Basketball had a big win in the last week over #12 Seton Hall, but it wasn’t enough to move them past number three in the latest Amway Coaches Poll. Duke and Louisville also passed MSU while Kentucky fell all the way down to #10 after their loss to Evansville, despite beating the Spartans on opening night. The Spartans are also third in the AP Poll.

Here is your new top-five:

  • #1 Duke
  • #2 Louisville
  • #3 Michigan State
  • #4 North Carolina
  • #5 Kansas

Michigan State will likely be stuck at number three until at least the start of December unless something unexpected happens. They face Duke at home in the Breslin Center on December 3rd which will essentially be a battle for the number one spot in the country.

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Michigan State basketball offers top 2021 prospect Charles Bediako

Tom Izzo is looking north of the border for his next recruit. Michigan State has offered 2021 big man Charles Bediako out of St. Catherines, Ontario. After talking with Coach Izzo, l am blessed to have received an offer from Michigan State …

Tom Izzo is looking north of the border for his next recruit.

Michigan State has offered 2021 big man Charles Bediako out of St. Catherines, Ontario.

The photo of Bediako is from his unofficial visit to campus on August 30 this year.

Bediako is a 6′ 11, 215 lbs. center and is rated as a four-star prospect by the 24/7 Sports composite rankings. Bediako is the No. 6 center in the class of 2021 and No. 40 overall prospect.

Bediako is very athletic for his size and fits the mold of a modern center with the ability to run the floor, shoot the three and block shots at the rim.

Michigan State currently doesn’t have any players committed for the 2021 class.

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