Michigan State University Athletics
Men's Basketball Ranked Ninth By The Associated Press
11/11/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 11, 2002
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State men's basketball team is ranked No. 9 in the nation according to The Associated Press Preseason Poll released on Monday evening (Nov. 11). Arizona grabbed the top spot in the poll, collecting 50 of the 72 first-place votes.
"I look at the ranking as a compliment to the program," said MSU head coach Tom Izzo. "I don't think this team is there yet. But, I look forward to the opportunity of living up to the expectations of the voters."
Four of Michigan State's opponents are ranked in the preseason poll, led by No. 3 Oklahoma, who captured six first-place votes. No. 17 Kentucky is MSU's other ranked non-conference opponent. MSU will play both Oklahoma and Kentucky on the road, travelling to Lexington, Ky., on Dec. 14 for a CBS telecast. On Jan. 4, the Spartans will battle the Sooners in Oklahoma City. No. 21 Indiana and No. 24 Minnesota join Michigan State in representing the Big Ten in the Top 25.
Michigan State finished the 2001-02 season with a 19-12 record. The Spartans finished one game out of first place in the Big Ten with a 10-6 conference record and advanced to a fifth-straight NCAA Tournament.
