Great news: Michigan State center Adreian Payne is 'OK' after car crash

Photo: Associated Press -- Adreian Payne dunks in Michigan State's Carrier Classic loss to North Carolina.


By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

Michigan State Spartans basketball center Adreian Payne is OK after being involved in a car accident Friday in Ohio, reports MLive.com's Diamond Leung.

According to the article, Payne posted a photo to his Twitter account after the accident which reportedly took place on Interstate 70, adding that "God is real," to add context to the severity of the collision.

"I should not be here," Payne wrote on his Twitter account, according to MLive.com. "God blessed me. I was in a car accident someone hit me on the highway..."

Leung's report says that a deer caused the accident, relaying information obtained from a Montgomery (Ohio) County dispatcher.

Considering the consequences of deer-related highway crashes, it's safe to say that Payne was indeed lucky to escape unharmed -- or, at the very least, significantly injured. Deer plus speedy highway travel usually doesn't have a happy ending. We at Gang Green would like to wish Payne well. 

Michigan State Spartans recruiting 8th-grade basketball phenom, says report

By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

According to a USA Today report, the Michigan State Spartans are among a handful of Big Ten teams interested in Indianapolis-area 8th-grade star basketball player Eron Gordon, the younger brother of former Indiana Hoosiers star Eric Gordon.

Eron Gordon was reportedly offered a scholarship Sunday by Hoosiers coach Tom Crean, but plans to take a visit to Purdue, the report says.

The Spartans haven't offered Eron Gordon, but the USA Today report lists the Spartans, along with Michigan, Xavier, Ohio State and Wisconsin, as programs interested in the 6-foot-1 adolescent star-in-the-making.

Someone call Lane Kiffin.

Tom Izzo, Michigan State reinstates Derrick Nix to Spartans basketball team after marijuana-related issue

Photo -- Associated Press: Spartans senior-to-be Derrick Nix is getting another shot at being the leader of the Michigan State basketball team. He's capable of it. Hopefully he learned a valuable lesson from his recent drug-related court case.



By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

Derrick Nix will get his chance to lead the Michigan State Spartans basketball team next season.

The senior-to-be was recently charged with marijuana possession and operating a vehicle with the presence of drugs, but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of impaired driving Thursday in a court in East Lansing. The marijuana possession charges were dropped, according to a report from CBS Sports and MLive.com.

Nix has had his ups-and-downs during his career at Michigan State. He's battled weight issues since leaving Detroit Pershing High, and even contemplated leaving the Spartans prior to the 2010 Maui Invitational. However, he matured greatly this season and helped lead the Spartans to the Sweet 16.

He caught a break Thursday. Hopefully he'll learn from his recent transgressions. 

"I (got to) become a man," Nix said, according to the CBS report, which cited the Detroit Free Press.

Initially, I had my doubts. I wasn't sure if Nix's issue from just over a week ago was a sign of prior problems. And if they were, I thought it would be best for Spartans coach Tom Izzo to cut ties with Nix. Izzo had put up with several team-related behavioral issues which led him to clean house and dismiss Chris Allen and Korie Lucious from the program. If Nix was on his way to becoming the next Allen or Lucious, he had to go.

From the sound of it, this was an isolated incident. Or, at the very least, an issue that could be handled without dismissal. Nix will be a key component for the Spartans next season. It's good to hear that he's willing to make up for his folly. As a young man, mistakes will be made. As a college athlete on scholarship, mistakes will be magnified, as Nix is held to a higher standard than the typical college student, who doesn't represent their institution at the level an athlete does.

Athletes are on TV and subject to media attention. The average student hanging out in the dorms is not. It may be a double-standard, but it does exist and should be addressed. Likewise, Nix should understand that his drug-related incident is commonplace among college students. They experiment with marijuana, but they're not on a full-ride, nor do they have to answer to Izzo. There is a difference. A huge difference.

As a follower of the college game, I'm glad that Nix is getting a second chance. Furthermore, I'm happy to hear that his court issue won't jeopardize his standing at Michigan State or cast a shadow on his adult life. This was a classic case of bad judgment. Nix needed to make the right call, however, he didn't. He chose to possess marijuana. He chose to smoke it, which led to his impaired driving.

Learn from this and move on, Derrick.

Video: Michigan State-bound Matt Costello shows skills at Great Lakes Classic

By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

There can never enough video footage of college-bound recruits taking it to their competition, right?

Well, thanks to Jay Jensen, Gang Green now has more footage of Bay City Western star Matt Costello, a Michigan State Spartan to-be next season. Costello is a big man who can shoot, handle the ball, rebound... you know, all the good stuff you hope a basketball player is capable of.

In Jensen's latest installment, Costello is featured being a man-child at the Great Lakes Classic. Costello adds size, skill and and length to the Spartans front-court.

Enjoy the video, and follow Jensen on Twitter @PrepHoopsTV.

Senior transfer Brandon Wood did his job well during one year at Michigan State

 Photo: Flickr Creative Commons -- Senior transfer Brandon Wood probably didn't get the credit he deserved this year, but he was an effective player, nonetheless. He performed well during one year with Michigan State.


By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

Expectations were high for Brandon Wood. But he lived up to them.

The senior transfer from Valparaiso had never played in the Big Ten, or major college conference, prior to joining the Michigan State Spartans for the 2011-12 season. He had lit up the scoreboard while in the Horizon League with Valpo, averaging 17 points per game over a two-year span.

Although his numbers at Michigan State were down when compared to his numbers at Valpo, Wood played well for the Spartans, helping to lead them to a Sweet 16—their 10th under coach Tom Izzo.

Wood averaged 8.8 points per game, an average that doesn't immediately suggest he was all that effective. However, he unleashed his true scoring ability in March and in the 2012 NCAA Tournament, a stage he said he wanted to play on; hence, he transferred to a program that dances each March.

Against Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament Championship Game, Wood had his finest game with Michigan State. He shot 8-for-14 from the floor and scored 21 points in the Spartans' 68-64 victory. Although he shot just 1-for-4 from the line, his accuracy from the field and 21 points more than made up for it.

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Sure, Wood was a bit up-and-down. But again, keep in mind the transition from the Horizon League to the Big Ten is a large one. I anticipated 8-10 points per game from him, figuring they would be enough to keep him on the floor with steady minutes.

A seven-point performance in the tournament-opener against LIU-Brooklyn left a little to be desired. But Wood followed with 10 points in the Spartans' hard-fought victory over St. Louis in the Round of 32.

He was one of the lone bright spots in the Spartans' 57-44 Sweet 16 loss to Louisville, which featured a defense that led it to the Final Four. Michigan State couldn't get production from anyone, but Wood, new to the March Madness that surrounded him, shot 5-for-8 from the floor and scored 14 points in 31 minutes. He and Draymond Green were the only two Spartans in double-figures.

Particularly impressive were his two standout games against Duke and Florida State, both of which made the tournament and were two of the strongest teams in the ACC. Wood scored 15 in a 74-69 loss to then sixth-ranked Duke, adding 16 two weeks later in a 65-49 victory over Florida State.

When the Spartans needed a boost, Wood came through. With Green dominating nearly every game, or nights when Keith Appling let loose, Wood blended in. But when others had off-shooting nights, or the Spartans needed a shot from the wing, Wood was a player that could be counted on, despite an inconsistent, but efficient year.

However, don't get caught up by looking at scoring stats alone (he was a decent facilitator, too). Wood's maturity, experience and leadership qualities probably didn't get enough press. Those were his best attributes. It helped having another level-headed veteran to complement Green and Austin Thornton.

NBA draft board has MSU's Draymond Green as 28th overall pick of 2012 draft

Photo: Associated Press -- Draymond Green (right) had a fine four-year career with the Michigan State Spartans. He appeared in one national title game (2009) and two Final Fours (2009 and 2010). He's a candidate for the 2012 Naismith Award.


Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

After a spectacular four-year career and 2012 NCAA Tournament with Michigan State, NBA draft experts are giving senior Draymond Green a second look.

The 6-foot-6 senior, who won the Big Ten Player of the Year Award, was once thought to be a late second-round draft pick. However, NBA Draft Net's latest 2012 NBA Draft projection has Green being selected 28th overall by the Miami Heat.

Green demonstrated an much-improved accuracy from beyond the arc this year and was the first player from a major conference since former Wake Forest star Tim Duncan to average 15 points, 10 rebounds and three assists per game.

Green did it all this season for the Spartans, who were ousted from the NCAA Tournament on Thursday night after a 57-44 Sweet 16 loss to the Louisville Cardinals. He is widely regarded as one of the finest leaders to play at Michigan State under coach Tom Izzo.

NBA Draft Net says this about Green:

Green came into Michigan State without any perceived NBA potential, but has steadily grown on NBA scouts. He lacks ideal size and athleticism but is one of those "strong willed" players that finds a way to overcome his athletic shortcomings. His basketball IQ and feel for the game are off the charts. He's a little ball dominant, and there are questions whether he really has the speed to play the 3, but as a high intangibles guy, there's a good chance a team in the late first round rolls the dice on this savvy senior.
NBA Comparison: Jared Dudley

 

 

Michigan State Spartans should continue to work Derrick Nix into game plan next season

Photo: Associated Press -- Derrick Nix was a valuable contributor for the Michigan State Spartans this season. He should continue to be valuable next season if the Spartans stay committed to an inside game.



By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

Derrick Nix was a key to the Michigan State Spartans' success this year, and he should be even more valuable next season.

The slimmed-down, 6-foot-9, 270-pound junior improved his overall game, but relied mostly on his sheer girth to power his way to baskets around the rim. Nix, who played his prep ball at Detroit Pershing, helped re-establish a post game the Spartans lacked for years.

In the past, Nix appeared to play below his potential. He would get frustrated and put himself in foul trouble. But this season, Nix fouled out just once (74-69 loss to Duke) and demonstrated a matured comprehension of his role with the Spartans and improved understanding of the game in general.

Nix put up nearly eight points per game as the Spartans marched their way into the Sweet 16, more than doubling his average from his sophomore season of 2.7 points per game.

Nix's left-handed hook near the basket was the best weapon in his arsenal. However, he was able to attack the basket and rebound the ball with more authority, too.

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A main concern is consistency, though. While Nix quickly became a fan favorite this season, he didn't have the game most would have expected him to Thursday, when the Spartans fell 57-44 to the fourth-seeded Louisville Cardinals in a Sweet 16 battle in Phoenix.

Nix had four points and four rebounds in 19 minutes, but was a non-factor in the paint. The Cardinals became one of few teams to out-rebound the Spartans this year and seemingly eliminated any inside advantage the Spartans thought they had. Nix didn't have one foul Thursday. That could be viewed as disciplined play, but it could also suggest that Nix wasn't as aggressive as he should have been.

Typically a guard-driven offense, the Spartans greatly benefited from their inside game in 2011-12. Much of that success was due to Nix, who scored in double-figures 14 times, including a career-high 18 in the Spartans' 89-67 second-round tournament victory over LIU-Brooklyn.

He'll be a senior next season, and there are more guards on the way. However, the Spartans should remain committed to the inside game and further explore Nix's potential. He could become one of the most dominant big men in the Big Ten.

Follow Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81

Spartans' Sweet 16 loss to Louisville was 'hard to watch' for ex-Spartans football players Greg Jones and Keith Nichol

Photo: Adreian Payne (left) and Draymond Green celebrate a Big Ten title. Their Spartans were ousted from the NCAA tournament Thursday night after a 57-44 loss to Louisville.


By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

Loyal Michigan State Spartans fans were justifiably upset about their team's 57-44 Sweet 16 loss Thursday night to the fourth-seeded Louisville Cardinals in Phoenix.

The Spartans, who were the West Region's top-seeded team, were primed to make a run to the 2012 Final Four, primarily due to the spectacular play of senior Draymond Green, who won the Big Ten Player of the Year Award and was named one of four finalists for the Naismith Award, given to the country's top performer.

The Cardinals propped coach Rick Pitino's Sweet 16 record to 10-0 and seemingly did everything right against the Spartans. They stopped Michigan State's high-powered offense with an overwhelming defensive presence, led by center Gorgui Dieng's seven blocks, and dictated the tempo from the opening tip.

But Spartans fans weren't the only ones taken by surprise Thursday night. Keith Nichol and Greg Jones, both former Michigan State football standouts, were heartbroken as well. The pair of good friends watched the game together in Nichol's East Lansing apartment and couldn't believe their eyes as the Cardinals walked off the court as victors.

The Spartans' loss was difficult to digest, to say the least. However, seeing Green, a player both Nichol and Jones have the utmost respect for, go out on the losing end was the toughest part.

"It was really hard for the whole team, but (especially for) one of the key guys: Draymond Green," said Jones, who won Super Bowl XLVI with the New York Giants in February. "All the work he's done… it was tough to watch. I was almost sick to my stomach. I never like to see a Spartans team go down. They just didn't have the magic they normally have."

The loss was a little more personal for Nichol, who lives "right down the hall" from Green, Brandon Wood and Adreian Payne. Nichol ran into the trio on a almost-daily basis and frequently exchanged words with Green.

Nichol had a stellar NFL Pro Day on March 14 in East Lansing, where he's staying to work out prior to the NFL Draft. But he won't be around too much longer. He would like one last chance to tell Green, Wood and Payne how well they played this season.

He wants to tell Green how exciting it was to watch him play in a Michigan State uniform.

"I hope I get an opportunity to see those guys, and Draymond, before I go," Nichol said in a somber tone. "I really feel for him, and I hope he's able to smile about his career at Michigan State. It was incredible. He deserves to smile."

Every NCAA athlete wants to end their career with a win—an intense competitive drive won't allow anything less, says Nichol, who felt the exactly the same prior to his final game, the Spartans' 33-30 overtime win over the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2012 Outback Bowl.

"The only thing you want to do is go out on top," Nichol said. "As a Michigan State athlete, you want your final senior game to be a victory. The only way that would happen for them would be if they were national champions. I wanted that for them.

"When we won, when I walked off the field for the last time, I was happy. I'm sure (Green) has a bittersweet feeling. But the sweet part is finishing out as a Spartan."

Follow Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81.

Michigan State Spartans coach Tom Izzo is 'extremely valuable,' especially in March, says MSU legend Shawn Respert

Photo: Wikimedia Commons


By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

The value of a great coach can never be underestimated, especially during the NCAA Tournament.

Tom Izzo, Michigan State's head coach, is renowned for his sideline savvy and ability to get the most out of his players—and that becomes all the more evident each March when Izzo, who has coached his way to a national title and six Final Fours, continuously has his Spartans in the hunt for glory.

For the 10th time during his tenure, Izzo has Michigan State, the West Region's top-seeded team, in the Sweet 16. He's two wins away from the 2012 Final Four in New Orleans, but first has to derail Rick Pitino's fourth-seeded Louisville Cardinals on Thursday in Phoenix.

Izzo's presence alone is probably worth at least a few points each game. He knows what to do, and when to do it. Far from just a coach, Izzo is an institution—a figurehead of the hardwood worth his weight in gold come March Madness.

"He's extremely valuable," said Spartans legend Shawn Respert, who remembers Izzo as a determined assistant under the iconic Jud Heathcote.

In the trenches year-in and year-out, Izzo's mastery of managing talent is quite difficult to contend with. Out-witting "Mr. March" is nearly as challenging as winning the tournament itself. It's safe to assume that potential opposing coaches would rather see the Spartans bow out early than devise a game plan to knock Izzo out of his comfort zone.

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"He's been (to the NCAA Tournament) 15 straight times and has 17 years of head coaching experience—he's at the point where he's seen it all," Respert said. "You're not going to surprise Tom Izzo with a new offense or new out-of-bounds plays."

At times, however, Michigan State doesn't benefit from Izzo's tact for Xs and Os. Instead, players reap reward from digesting what they're told and making their own wise decisions on the court.

"Coach Izzo's magic is that it's not about him knowing it all—it's how he can relate that (to players)," said Respert, who now works for the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves as a player mentor and developer. "That's where Michigan State sets itself apart from a team that makes the tournament every now and then."

Follow Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81.

Draymond Green is the 'epitome' of great Michigan State Spartans basketball players, says MSU legend Shawn Respert

Photo: Associated Press via MLive.com

Photo: CoachIzzo.com


By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

Michigan State Spartans basketball followers have already dubbed senior Draymond Green as one of the program's greatest players, and his career hasn't even ended.

Coach Tom Izzo has spoken highly of Green, who won the 2012 Big Ten Player of the Year Award and is in the running for the 2012 Naismith Award, given annually to the country's top player.

Fans, media, coaches, and analysts alike, all agree that "Day-Day" is a special talent. But don't take their word for it—because in such a case, perhaps the old saying "It takes one to know one" comes into play.

Enter Shawn Respert, who is without a doubt a Michigan State legend. He holds the program's career-scoring record with 2,531 points and was voted as The Sporting News' Player of the Year in 1995. Many view Respert as the premier pure scorer to ever wear a Michigan State jersey.

Respert, who was a two-time All-American, is well aware of his former school's rich basketball history, citing players like Scott Skiles, Eric Snow, Steve Smith, Magic Johnson and Greg Kelser, among others, as the benchmark players in Michigan State lore.

And when it comes to the discussion of Michigan State's best-of-the-best, Respert's opinion carries an elephant's weight.

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"I think Draymond is the epitome when we talk about Spartans greats," Respert said Monday. "He came in is as a highly-touted recruit, but there was nothing that would guarantee that he'd have the type of career he has had.

"He continued to improve and make his teammates better. That's the key when you talk about Spartans basketball—the guys who come in and blue-collar their way to greatness. I have a huge level of respect for him."

Green has essentially put the Spartans on his back during the NCAA Tournament, serving as a do-all tool which has the Spartans in the Sweet 16 for the 10th time under Coach Izzo. Michigan State, top-seeded in the West Region, has the opportunity to make it to the Final Four in New Orleans, but it has to first oust the fourth-seeded Louisville Cardinals on Thursday in Phoenix.

Green opened March Madness with a triple-double last Friday against LIU-Brooklyn and promptly followed with a double-double in a hard-fought 65-61 victory Sunday over the ninth-seeded St. Louis Billikens.

Respert says that Kentucky's shot-blocking phenom freshman Anthony Davis might be the "best" player in the country when it comes to pure dominance at a single position. However, he says that Green is the most valuable to his team, and one of the most versatile.

Kentucky would likely survive and contend in the tournament without Davis, who is surrounded by four- and five-star recruits.

Green, on the other hand, transforms Michigan State from a "top 15 or 20 team" to a national contender. And for that, he should be greatly considered for the Naismith Award.

"Draymond Green gets a little bit of an edge in terms of value to a team that could be average without him," Respert said.

Seeing "Day-Day" excel on the court has been enjoyable for Respert. However, seeing Green flourish after his time at Michigan State—whether it be on the court in the NBA, or life in general—is what Respert looks forward to most.

"We want our guys to go out in the world and do great things, whatever it is," said Respert, who works for the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves as a player mentor and developer. "He's a guy that you don't worry about being successful after the game basketball."

Follow Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81, or, reach him by e-mail at Adam.Biggers@Yahoo.com. Adam would like to extend a special "thank you" to Shawn Respert for taking time to talk Spartans basketball.

Michigan State commit Matt Costello shows skill in recent video by @PrepHoopsTV

Jay Jensen, founder of @PrepHoops TV, never fails to deliver high-quality footage of some of the area's top prep basketball players.

Jensen's latest installment is of Michigan State commit Matt Costello, Bay City Western's do-all senior and Mr. Basketball candidate. Costello had offers from a handful of Division I programs but ultimately chose to don the green and white for coach Tom Izzo.

Follow Jensen on Twitter @PrepHoopsTV, and check out the video of Costello doing what he does best.

Michigan State's Draymond Green is a worthy Naismith finalist because of well-rounded game

Classic photo of a young Draymond Green found on an Internet search.


By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

Michigan State senior forward Draymond Green has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that he's one of the most valuable players in all of college basketball.

The Big Ten Player of the Year is having a monstrous 2012 NCAA Tournament, evidenced by a 24-point, 12-rebound and 10-assist showing in the Spartans' 89-67 win Friday over LIU-Brooklyn and a 16-point, 13-rebound and six-assist performance Sunday in the Spartans' hard-fought 65-61 win over the ninth-seeded St. Louis Billikens.

Michigan State's unquestioned, heart-and-soul leader has his team primed for a run to the Final Four in New Orleans, but Green and the Spartans must first oust coach Rick Pitino's fourth-seeded Louisville Cardinals on Thursday in a Sweet 16 pairing in Phoenix.

Green is the first player since former Wake Forest star Tim Duncan to average 15 points, 10 rebounds and three assists per game. He is widely considered one of the most versatile players in the nation.

He's certainly worthy of the Naismith Award—which is given annually to college hoops' top player—and his efforts were recognized Sunday night by the Metro Atlanta Chamber, which named Green as a finalist for the coveted honor along with Kentucky's Anthony Davis, Creighton's Doug McDermott and Kansas' Thomas Robinson.

One could argue the idea of Green being more important to his team than the aforementioned finalists. But Creighton probably wouldn't have made the tournament without McDermott, and Kansas wouldn't be as dangerous without Robinson.

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Kentucky, full of blue-chip athletes, would likely still be a national title contender—at least a Final Four-worthy team—without Davis, in all likelihood. The Wildcats are stacked with four- and five-star recruits that most schools would drool over.

But who is the most valuable out of the bunch?

Davis is averaging about 15 points, 10 rebounds and 4.5 blocks per game in the tournament. His block average is a bit skewed, though, since he had seven in the Wildcats' 81-66 second-round tournament win over 16th-seeded Western Kentucky.

Davis, who has an astonishing 166 blocks this season, is a menace in the paint. The 6-foot-10 freshman is almost impossible to contain and is a nightmare to match up with. He's the most dominant player in the game by far.

But like NCAA football's Heisman Trophy, the Naismith Award doesn't always go to the "best" player. And one could argue that Davis' game is limited compared to the likes of Green, who contributes in a vast variety of ways each and every game. When is the last time you saw Davis mop the floor during a game? Green really does it all.

Robinson is averaging about 15 points and 11 rebounds per game. He's a bit more versatile than Davis, who is a blocking machine, but his game is more of the post variety. He's a bruising scorer—getting to the rim and living in the paint is his bread and butter. Robinson doesn't routinely run the break like Green, nor does he have the knack for delivering Magic Johnson-like assists (a skill Green has flashed now and then).

If the Naismith Award was designated for the most valuable and most versatile player, Green would be the logical choice to win it. Maybe the Naismith committee will reward Green for his Swiss Army Knife-like skill set. Duncan was a jack of all trades for the most part, and he won the Naismith in 1997.

Follow Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81

Michigan State Spartans will need more 'Magic' from Draymond Green if they want to reach 2012 Final Four in New Orleans

Photo: Associated Press/MLive.com


By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

Michigan State Spartans senior forward Draymond Green channeled his inner Magic Johnson on Friday night. And the Big Ten Champions are going to need more of Green's "Magic" during March Madness if they are to advance to 2012 Final Four in New Orleans.

Johnson, Green's predecessor at Michigan State, had held the honor of being the only player to post two triple-doubles in the NCAA Tournament since 1979, the year he helped guide the Spartans to the national title.

Green, who already had one under his belt, matched Johnson's pair of triple-doubles with 24 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in the Spartans' 89-67 second-round NCAA Tournament victory Friday over the LIU-Brooklyn Blackbirds, winners of the past two NEAC championships. Two more, and Green will tie the great Oscar Roberston, who tallied four during his illustrious career with the Cincinnati Bearcats.

Matching Magic's accomplishment was one thing, but the way Green did it was almost reminiscent of the Spartans legend. Green laced several of his 10 assists with accuracy and style, something for which Magic gained worldwide fame—especially during his days with the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers.

The Blackbirds hung around in the first half and faced a manageable 42-37 deficit at the break. Green's scoring certainly helped the Spartans pull away in the second half, but his assists—some bullet-like, some delivered with a soft touch—were just as valuable to Michigan State.

Senior Austin Thornton nailed a jumper—giving Michigan State a 55-46 lead with 13:43 to play—after being on the receiving end of one of Green's 10 assists. About three minutes later, Derrick Nix put Michigan State up 62-50 after an assist from Green. Nix's basket was one of a few that could be cited as a turning point. After that, the Spartans seemingly took control and wore down the Blackbirds.

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Green's desire to end his career at Michigan State on a high note was clear and evident Friday. The senior, who won the Big Ten's Player of the Year honors, knows this is his last shot at an NCAA title. He's already had one more go than most, but that resulted in a NCAA championship loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels in 2009.

Players seldom get two opportunities to cut the nets down. Green doesn't need to be told that. He's played with a win-or-go-home mentality all year. And he appears to just be warming up.

Michigan State Spartans win first game of 2012 NCAA Tournament behind senior Draymond Green's triple-double

By: Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers

Michigan State Spartans star senior forward Draymond Green joined Magic Johnson in the NCAA Tournament record books Friday night.

Green, who earned Big Ten Player of the Year honors this season, poured in 24 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and dished 10 assists in the Spartans' 89-67 tournament-opening victory over the LIU-Brooklyn Blackbirds in Columbus, Ohio.

Green became the first player since Magic -- who helped lead the Spartans to the 1979 NCAA title -- to record two triple-doubles in the NCAA Tournament.

While Green was more than productive Friday night, he did get a little assistance from sophomore center Adreian Payne, who finished with 16 points and seven rebounds. Sophomore guard Keith Appling checked in with 10 points, three assists and three rebounds. 

Michigan State faces St. Louis on Sunday for a trip to the Sweet 16.

Be sure to check back for more tournament and MSU-related coverage from Adam Biggers and Sean Gagnier.

Mateen Cleaves like Michigan State's chances at Final Four, but doesn't think it will win national title

By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

Although he's in a position to cast his pro-Michigan State Spartans attitude to the masses, Mateen Cleaves, a Spartans legend, is far from a homer.

It would be easy, and possibly politically correct, for Cleaves to select the Spartans to win the 2012 NCAA National Championship Game in New Orleans. He helped them win it all in 2000 against Florida. Nine years later, the Spartans fell in the 2009 title game to North Carolina in Indianapolis (For the record, I have an MSU-UNC rematch in 2012).

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Sure, the fifth-ranked Spartans—who are the No. 1 seed in the West Region and have appeared in six national semis since 1999—are capable of making it to the Final Four. But Cleaves doesn't believe they have what it takes to take down the likes of Kentucky, a team he feels could cut the nets down in the Crescent City.

Part of Cleaves' reasoning is the fact that Michigan State is without freshman standout Branden Dawson, who tore his ACL in his team's 72-70 loss to Ohio State on the final day of the Big Ten's regular season.

"Bias-wise, I would say yeah, but basketball junkie-wise, I think Michigan State can get to the Final Four, and I think it's going to catch up to them by losing Branden Dawson against Kentucky just with the athletes that they have," Cleaves told 95.7 FM The Game in San Francisco on Wednesday.

"If they had him on the floor, I would have gave Michigan State a chance. And I'm still not ruling them out totally. But Kentucky is just so loaded, and I think it's going to hurt not to have a Branden Dawson match up with Kentucky."

Oftentimes, athletes turned analysts are blinded by their own school or former team's colors. They drink the Kool-Aid we've all grown accustomed to hearing about. Cleaves is probably one of the biggest Spartans fans out there. Some would argue that he'd have to pick Michigan State to win it all. After all, Spartans coach Tom Izzo did name one of his children (middle name) after Cleaves.

I like Cleaves' honesty. He has the utmost respect for Izzo and the Spartans, but he's calling a spade a spade. However, if Michigan State were to win it all in April, Cleaves would likely issue a statement, happily retracting his comment made during his interview with the San Fransisco radio station.

Confidence evident with Michigan State Spartans' Tom Izzo and Keith Appling, but LIU-Brooklyn won't back down

Photo: MLive.com

By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

A confident coach, along with a confident star player, will likely bode well for the fifth-ranked, No. 1-seeded Michigan State Spartans during the NCAA Tournament.

The Spartans, who sit atop the West Region bracket, have LIU-Brooklyn as their first opponent at 9:20 p.m. Friday in Columbus, Ohio—a team that likes to run the court, just like Michigan State.

Michigan State sophomore guard Keith Appling is comfortable with the task of keeping up with the Blackbirds, who are coming off back-to-back NEAC titles. Furthermore, he's comfortable with doing the same against teams like Missouri, which is the No. 2 team in the West.

"I like the fast-paced game, because it's a lot more fun to be a part of," Appling said during a recent interview. "Lot of up-and-down, very fast-paced. There's going to be a lot of easy opportunities to get baskets on the fast break."

Spartans coach Tom Izzo, who was recently named CBS Sports' Coach of the Year, is also confident with his team's speed and ability to run the floor. Having Appling in charge makes things a little easier.

"…For the most part, with Keith, I think we can push it now, he's getting to the point where he can push it and make decisions when he gets down there, something (freshman guard) Travis (Trice) has to keep working on," Izzo said.

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"Keith's learning how to pull it out, and that's going to be important, too, because there are teams that run better than we do that are in this group. If we face them, we're going to have to figure out how to do that under control.

"But I still say getting some easy baskets, getting some shots, we're really looking at getting the ball into the first post more, off our break, instead of just getting wide-open shots or layups. And if you keep your big guys running, and we think we have two or three that we can rotate in there, the advantage goes to us."

LIU-Brooklyn coach Jim Ferry knows his team will be backed against a wall Friday. And he's OK with that. The Blackbirds coach said during a recent interview that he is willing to fight fire with fire—or in this case, speed with speed, when it comes to matching up with the Big Ten regular-season and conference tournament champion Spartans.

"We have to be able to compete with them on the glass so we can get our transition game going," Ferry said. "There's no question about it.

"If we can get the game going in transition a little bit, then I think we're going to put some pressure on them. We play at one of the highest tempos in college basketball period. We average 85 points a game in league and 82 overall. We're one of the fastest teams up and down the court. We got to get them to play that way. We do."

One has to like Ferry's statement. Sure, a 16th-seeded team isn't regularly viewed as a threat—and that couldn't be more true when it's set to collide with Michigan State, a team which many feel could land in the 2012 Final Four in New Orleans.

But, and there is a "but," the Spartans are far above any competition LIU-Brooklyn faced this season. And with Izzo ready for March—and one of his star players eager to take the court—the Blackbirds are ripe for an ousting.

Appling has elite-level speed. Not to say LIU-Brooklyn has no shot of containing him, but once the former Detroit Pershing High star gets going, he's hard to stop—that goes for any team, Missouri included.

Expect the first half Friday to be back-and-forth. That much is inevitable. Michigan State averaged about 72 points per game in the Big Ten—a conference not known for overly fast-paced action. LIU-Brooklyn has the tools to keep the game close in the first 20 minutes.

However, the Spartans have tournament experience. And that's not just a reference to past NCAA Tournaments. Look back to their win at Gonzaga, a victory that was considered to be of tournament-caliber. Although some pieces are young, Michigan State has an experienced senior in Draymond Green and Austin Thornton, both of whom have been to the Final Four.

Looking past any opening-round opponent is never a good idea. But in this case, doing so wouldn't be out of the question. Michigan State's firepower, accompanied by its leadership and experience, should make light work of the Blackbirds on Friday night.

It's OK to project Michigan State Spartans to 2012 Final Four in New Orleans because they're capable of getting there

Photo: Associated Press -- Michigan State senior Draymond Green (left) congratulates teammate Brandon Wood after Sunday's 68-64 Big Ten Championship Game win over the Ohio State Buckeyes.


By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

If you forecast the Michigan State Spartans in the 2011 Final Four, you may have been a bit on the optimistic side. Well, you were probably closer to delusional if you thought the Spartans were among the four best teams in the country a year ago. They were uncharacteristically bounced from the opening round by UCLA after struggling to secure a bid to March Madness—it wasn't Michigan State's finest season.
But this year is different.

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Whether you're a die-hard Spartans fan, or a college basketball expert, the 2012 Spartans appear as a championship-caliber team to an array of different fans and groups. And it's OK to project the Spartans to land in the 2012 Final Four in New Orleans because they are indeed one of the top four to five teams in the nation. ESPN's Hubert Davis sees the Spartans losing to North Carolina in the title game while his colleague, Digger Phelps, believes Michigan State will beat Kentucky for the championship.

The Spartans' past track record certainly suggests that they'll be a team to contend with during March Madness. They're fresh off a 68-64 conference title win over Ohio State. which they shared the Big Ten regular-season title with (and Michigan). The Spartans then earned a No. 1 seed in the West Region, played in Phoenix, because of their resume.

If Michigan State isn't primed for the tournament, I don't know what team is.

Michigan State boasts senior star Draymond Green, who won the Big Ten Player of the Year Award and is considered one of the best players in all of college basketball. Not since former Wake Forest star Tim Duncan in 1997 has a player from a major conference averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds and three assists per game. But Green did it this year.

In fact, other than Kansas' Thomas Robinson and Kentucky's Anthony Davis, there aren't many players with the ability or resume that Green possesses. That's a definite plus for a title-hungry team like the Spartans.

Review the Spartans' individual and team accomplishments thus far—it's perfectly logical to think that a team that played the toughest schedule, won arguably the most competitive conference's regular-season and tournament titles and boasts one of the nation's elite players could go all the way.

In 2010-11, just getting in the tournament and extending its 14 straight postseason appearances seemed to be good enough for Michigan State. However, this year's team isn't last year's Michigan State. It's a more cohesive unit capable of competing alongside the NCAA's best teams.

Take a quick glance at the West Region bracket. Though it is challenging, it's not too much to expect Michigan State to emerge from it. Yes, Missouri is a great team, and so are Marquette and Florida. St. Louis and Long Beach State are formidable adversaries, too.

Each of the aforementioned has its own particular strength. But Michigan State, although lacking a bit of depth, seems to be the most complete unit—one could argue that Missouri is—in the West. The Spartans have showed they can dictate the tempo of a game, go big or small, crash the boards and be successful under nearly any condition.

The Spartans have a strong corps of guards, led by Keith Appling and Brandon Wood. With both at their peaks, Michigan State could be a difficult team to defend off the dribble and from the perimeter.
Centers Adreian Payne and Derrick Nix each had respectable Big Ten Tournaments and possess the ability to control the offensive and defensive glass. Rebounding, as it has been in the past, is one of the Spartans' strength this season. They posted a Big Ten-best 38 boards per game, good for 26th nationally.

Of course, the past is the past. But if you're into coincidence, remember this: The last time the Spartans won the Big Ten Tournament, they won the national title (2000). Each of the previous three times the Spartans earned a No. 1 seed in The Big Dance, they went on to reach the Final Four (99-01). And they have this Izzo guy on the sideline—just food for thought.

Video: Big Ten Player of the Year Draymond Green highlight reel.