The Spartans aren't flashy. They aren't "in your face" with egotism. And until the last couple of weeks, there weren't a whole lot of people outside of the Big Ten who could name more than a couple players on this team.
But that's not what Michigan State basketball is about anyway. MSU is about walking softly and carrying a big stick on the court. And opponents don't really know what that "big stick" feels like until they step onto the court with the Spartans.
Go toe to toe with Derrick Nix on the block and see if you don't leave with some bruises. Try taking on Keith Appling and see if you have any energy after 40 minutes, let alone a single possession. Go for a loose ball on the floor and see if Austin Thornton doesn't doesn't beat you to it.
No, those things aren't as beautiful as a crossover dribble and they're not as awe inspiring as a rainbow three from 30 feet. But that's not what Michigan State is about.
Can the Spartan players do those things? Yes. Do they care if that's what they're known for? No.
The Spartans care about winning above all else...far more than individual [..]
Draymond Green has left an indelible mark on this Michigan State program. Thirty, forty and fifty years from now, we'll still be talking about him.
Here's why.
In a day and age where we mostly see "me first" players and the love of watching one's own jump shot, Draymond continues to be an aberration. Yes, he won an individual honor on Monday night when he claimed the Big Ten's Player of the Year award. But I'll contend that his 16.2 point per game average was more out of necessity than anything else.
After all, Draymond loves doing the little things in this game. Outside of his scoring average, he pulled down a career high 10.3 rebounds per game and also led the team in steals (47) and 3-point makes (45), while ranking second on the team in assists(3.5/g) and blocked shots (29).
Across the Big Ten platform, he was the only player this season to rank in the top ten in points, rebounds and assists, proving to be (in my opinion), the most versatile player in the country. In fact, Green led the nation with five games of at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists.
But more than any of this, [..]
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Broadcast Host Adam Ruff keeps you up to date on Tom Izzo's Spartans all season long.