MSU Travels to Duke for ACC/Big Ten Challenge
11/28/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 28, 2016
The Opening Tip
Michigan State travels to Duke for the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. This is the Spartans' third trip to Durham in challenge history, with both previous games being decided by seven points or less. The game will be the sixth road game in the first eight contests for MSU, as the Spartans have already played games in Hawaii, New York, Michigan and the Bahamas.
The Starting Five
1. The Nation's Toughest November
Tuesday's game marks the final game in what is arguably the toughest opening month in college basketball history, certainly Spartan history. Having already played games against No. 2 Kentucky, No. 10 Arizona and No. 20 Baylor (rankings at date of game), Duke marks the fourth ranked opponent MSU will play in November alone. The Spartans have never faced three Top 10 opponents in November, and have never played four Top 20 non-conference opponents in a single month during the regular season. Not only will the Spartans play a diabolical slate of opponents, they will face a brutal travel schedule to open the season. Beginning with a flight to Hawaii on November 8 and ending with the return flight from Duke on Nov. 29, the Spartans will travel more than 13,600 miles in 22 days, including additional trips to New York City and the Bahamas.
2. Big Ten/ACC Challenge History
Michigan State is 7-9 in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge and had its 2001 game against Virginia in Richmond cancelled due to unplayable wet floor conditions. After dropping the first 10 challenges, the Big Ten has captured five of the last seven, with the conferences splitting the 2012 and 2013 Challenges, 6-6. Last year, the Big Ten captured the Commissioner's Cup, winning 8-6.
3. Bridges Makes An Immediate Impact
Although it's early in the season, Miles Bridges is on pace to have one of the most productive freshman seasons in Michigan State history. Bridges' scoring average of 17.4 points per game is the best ever for a Spartan freshman, slightly better than Earvin Johnson's 17.0 ppg in 1977-78. Only Greg Kelser (9.6 rpg, 1975-76) posted a better rebounding average than Bridges' current 8.7 average.
4. Playing The Best
Since the 1997-98 season, the year of Michigan State's first of 19 straight trips to the NCAA Tournament, the Spartans have played 208 games against ranked opponents. That total ranks first among teams that have appeared in a Final Four since then. The Spartans are followed by North Carolina (193), Texas (186), Duke (182), Illinois (175), Kentucky (175) and Michigan (173).
5. Nairn's Homecoming
Lourawls "Tum Tum" Nairn Jr. had a very productive homecoming during MSU's play in the Battle 4 Atlantis. A native of Nassau, Nairn had arguably his best three-game stretch as a Spartan, matching or setting a career high in each game. He tied a career high in points with 13 points vs. St. John's, and set new career highs in rebounding (6) vs. Baylor and assists (12) vs. Wichita State. He also hit 4-of-6 3-pointers, after entering the tournament with seven threes in his first 71 career games.
MSU vs. Duke Notes
Coach Krzyzewski
Mike Krzyzewski (Army, '69) is the winningest coach in the history of Division I basketball with a 1,049-322 (.765) overall record in 42 seasons, including 976-263 (.788) in 37 seasons at Duke. Krzyzewski is one of only two coaches in NCAA history to win at least five National Championships (1991, 1992, 2001, 2010, 2015). His 12 Final Four appearances are tied for most all-time. He has won 13 ACC Tournament Championships and 12 regular-season ACC titles. As head coach of USA Basketball, Krzyzewski led the United States to back-to-back-back gold medals in the Olympics (2008 Beijing, 2012 London, 2016 Rio).
Series History
Duke leads the all-time series against Michigan State, 10-2, including a 2-0 advantage on a neutral court. Six of the last seven meetings in the series, and eight of the last 10, have all been decided by 10 points or less. The two ACC/Big Ten Challenge games at Cameron Indoor Stadium have been decided by seven points or less. Duke is 3-0 against MSU in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. The Spartans' last win in the series was a 78-68 victory in the Sweet 16 of the 2005 NCAA Tournament in Dallas.
The Last Meeting
No. 1 seed Duke defeated No. 7 seed Michigan State, 81-61, on April 4, 2015, in the Final Four in Indianapolis. MSU jumped out to a 14-6 lead, but Duke took the lead midway through the first half. A 27-8 Blue Devil run had DU's lead at 33-22 with 2:37 left in the opening half, as Duke controlled the rest of the contest. Denzel Valentine led all players in both scoring (22 points) and rebounding (11 rebounds). Justise Winslow led Duke with 19 points, while Jahlil Okafor scored 18 and Quinn Cook had 17.
About Duke
Duke enters Tuesday's contest 6-1 overall, including a win over Penn State, with its sole loss coming to Kansas by two in the Champions Classic. Sophomore guard Luke Kennard leads the Blue Devils in points (17.1), rebounds (6.7) and assists (3.9) and Duke has five players averaging in double figures. The Blue Devils score 85.6 points per game and have scored over 70 points in each of their first seven games, while hold their opponents to just 63.6 points. Entering Tuesday, Duke has won 129 consecutive non-conference games played at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Spartan Basketball Notes
MSU's Freshman Class
Michigan State's freshman class of Miles Bridges, Joshua Langford, Nick Ward and Cassius Winston was widely regarded as one of the top recruiting classes in the nation. Bridges and Langford were McDonald's All-Americans, Winston joined Bridges as Jordan Brand All-Americans and all four players were ranked in the Top 40 in the nation. They are expected to have an immediate impact on the Spartans in 2016-17. In fact, they have the potential to go down as the most productive freshman class under Tom Izzo. The 2001-02 Spartan freshmen of Alan Anderson, Chris Hill, Kelvin Torbert and Aaron Alexander combined to average 77.4 minutes and 26.5 points, both of which rank first in the Izzo era. The 2002-03 freshmen (Maurice Ager, Paul Davis, Erazem Lorbek) averaged a combined 20.9 points, while 2012-13 freshmen (Matt Costello, Gary Harris, Denzel Valentine and Trevor Bohnhoff) averaged 19.7 points. Through seven games, the freshman quartet is averaging a combined 37.1 points, 17.7 rebounds and 79.7 minutes.
Harris Key To Spartan Attack
Eron Harris is proving to be a great barometer for the Spartans' chances of victory. MSU is 4-0 when he scores in double figures and 0-3 when he scores fewer than 10. He's averaging 19.3 points in wins and 4.0 in the three losses.
MSU In November
Michigan State has an all-time record of 125-34 in games played in the month of November. This includes an 82-3 mark at home. The last team to beat MSU at home in November was a David Robinson-led Navy squad that bested the Spartans, 91-90, in overtime on Nov. 29, 1986. Tom Izzo is 60-0 all-time at home in November, 90-28 for the month.
Hall of Famer Tom Izzo
Now in his 22nd season at Michigan State, Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo has built the Spartans into one of the elite programs in the nation. MSU is the only school in the country to win 27 or more games in each of the last five seasons. The Spartans' 19 straight NCAA Tournaments are a Big Ten record, the third-longest active streak in the nation and the fourth-longest active streak of all time. He's been able to accomplish this while playing more ranked teams than anyone else since 1998. Michigan State has appeared in a nation's best seven Final Fours in the last 18 seasons. Izzo's seven Final Four trips are tied for fifth most in NCAA history. Izzo was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame on Sept. 9.
Spartan Defense
Michigan State has held opponents under 40 percent shooting from the field in each of the last five seasons, including finishing second in the nation in field-goal percentage defense in 2012 (.379) and 2016 (.382). The strong defensive effort has carried over to 2016-17, as five of seven opponents have been held under 40 percent, as MSU boasts a field-goal percentage defense of .382.
From Beyond the Arc
The 2015-16 Spartans led the nation in 3-point field goal percentage (.434) and made a school record 321 3-pointers. This year's Spartan squad must replace Bryn Forbes (112) and Denzel Valentine (104) who combined for 216 3-pointers last season. MSU is shooting .387 from behind the arc this year, as Eron Harris (.432, 16-37), Miles Bridges (.400, 14-35) and Matt McQuaid (.400, 14-35) all average two or more made 3-pointers per contest. Last season, Harris shot .439 (43-98) from behind the arc, while McQuaid hit .409 (27-66) of his attempts.
Spartans Share The Ball
Unselfishness is a trademark of all Tom Izzo teams. That has been especially true over the last three seasons as MSU has established a school record for assists in each of the last three years. Last season, MSU tallied a school record 719 assists, good for the 22nd-best total in NCAA history. MSU's nation's-best assist average of 20.5 was the 23rd-best average in NCAA history. The Spartans recorded an assist on a nation's-best 71.3 percent of its field goals. In 2014-15, MSU totaled 646 assists (16.6 apg), after recording 637 (16.8 apg) in 2013-14. The Spartans are averaging 18.7 assists in 2016-17, recording an assist on 72.0 percent of their field goals.
It's All About Boardwork
Being forced to play with a smaller front court due to injury, rebounding will be a major point of emphasis for Michigan State. Through seven games, MSU has a +4.0 rebound margin, out-rebounding the opponent in three of seven contests. In the Tom Izzo era, MSU has out-rebounded 567 of 736 opponents (.771), posting a 450-117 (.794) mark in those games. The Spartans have led the nation in rebounding in five of the last 17 seasons (2000, 2001, 2009, 2010, 2016), ranking in the Top 10 10 times and the Top 25 on 13 occasions. MSU has led the Big Ten in rebounding margin in conference games in 13 of the last 19 years and in 14 of 21 seasons under Izzo.
Too Many Turnovers
One of the downsides to playing a lot of new players and multiple combinations is an increased number of turnovers. After averaging fewer than 12 turnovers in each of the last three seasons, this year's Spartan squad is averaging 15.3 per contest. MSU is 4-1 when committing 15 or fewer turnovers and 0-2 when committing more. Michigan State's starting point guard Tum Tum Nairn Jr., however, is averaging just 1.6 per game and ranks second in the Big Ten in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.5).
Bridges' Preseason Honors
Freshman Miles Bridges is already gathering some national attention. The Flint, Michigan, native was tabbed preseason First Team All-America by The Sporting News, while also landing a spot on the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award, Naismith Trophy and Wooden Award Preseason Watch Lists.
Spartans In The NBA
Michigan State had a Big Ten-best eight players on NBA opening day rosters, including Denzel Valentine (Bulls), Gary Harris (Nuggets), Deyonta Davis (Grizzlies), Bryn Forbes (Spurs), Draymond Green (Warriors), Adreian Payne (Timberwolves), Zach Randolph (Grizzlies) and Alan Anderson (Clippers).
Spartan Depth
Nine Spartans average more than 11 minutes per game, while 11 players average more than six minutes per contest. The depth has helped MSU's reserves outscore the opponent's bench in five of seven contests.
Harris Tops Spartan Returners
Senior Eron Harris is Michigan State's leading returning scorer at 9.3 points per game. He is the only returning Spartan to have started a game last February or March. In the four games Denzel Valentine missed due to injury last season, Harris averaged 17.8 points. He has been named to the Jerry West Award Watch List, presented to the top shooting guard in the nation. As a sophomore at West Virginia in 2013-14, Harris averaged 17.2 points.
Strength of Schedule
In total, the 2016-17 schedule features 15 teams that appeared in the 2016 postseason, including 11 opponents that played in the 2016 NCAA Tournament.
2017 Recruiting Class
Michigan State signed a pair of forwards on the first day of the early signing period on Nov. 9. Jaren Jackson Jr. is a 5-star 6-11, 220-pound forward from Indianapolis. Playing as a senior at La Lumiere, the No. 1 high school team in America, Jackson Jr. has been named to the All-USA Preseason Boys Basketball Team as selected by USA TODAY Sports. He is the son of Jaren Jackson Sr., a former star at Georgetown and 1999 NBA Champion with the San Antonio Spurs. Despite his 6-11 frame, he shot .442 from 3-point range as a junior. He was a member of the 2016 USA Basketball U17 team that won a gold medal in Spain. Xavier Tillman is a 4-star 6-8, 270-pound forward from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is a three-time MLIVE Grand Rapids Press Dream Team honoree. He averaged 16 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists as a junior, shooting 62% from the field while playing for Grand Rapids Christian, earning 2016 Associated Press Class A All-State honors.
Big Ten Schedule
With a 14-team conference each Big Ten team will play five schools twice, four schools on the road, and four schools at home. Michigan State will go home and home with Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio State and Purdue. The Spartans will host Iowa, Northwestern, Rutgers and Wisconsin, while traveling to Illinois, Indiana, Maryland and Penn State. Seven of Michigan State's 13 Big Ten opponents appeared in the 2016 postseason, including six in the NCAA Tournament (Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Purdue and Wisconsin) and one in the NIT (Ohio State).
Spartans In The Polls
Michigan State is receiving votes in both the Associated Press Top 25 and in the USA Today Coaches Poll this week. Four Big Ten teams are featured in this week's poll, including Indiana (No. 13 AP/ No. 10 USA Today), Purdue (15/16), Wisconsin (17/17) and Maryland (RV/22). In addition to the conference opponents, MSU plays Kentucky (1/1), Duke (5/4), Baylor (9/11) and Arizona (16/15) and in November.
Coaching Stability
Michigan State has had just two basketball coaches in the last 41 seasons and three in the last 48. Tom Izzo is in his 22nd season, having taking over from his mentor Jud Heathcote, who spent 19 years as head coach (1976-95). Before Heathcote, Gus Ganakas spent seven seasons as head coach. Ganakas is currently in his 31st-straight season providing commentary on Spartan radio broadcasts.
Backcourt Experience
Michigan State's backcourt is its most experienced unit with seniors Eron Harris and Alvin Ellis III, junior Lourawls "Tum Tum" Nairn Jr. and sophomore Matt McQuaid all having played significant minutes during their career. Harris, Nairn and Ellis entered the season with a combined 60 career starts at MSU, including 41 last year. It will also receive an influx of talent from 2016 McDonald's All-American Joshua Langford and 2016 Michigan Mr. Basketball winner Cassius Winston, providing MSU with one of the deeper backcourts in the nation.
Nation's Best Seven Final Fours in 18 Years
Michigan State advanced to the 2015 Final Four, marking the seventh trip to the Final Four in 20 seasons under Tom Izzo. The seven trips in the last 18 seasons rank as the most in the nation. In addition, MSU has appeared in 19 straight NCAA Tournaments, marking the nation's third-longest active streak, and the longest streak in Big Ten history.
Breslin Upgrades on the Horizon
A major facilities upgrade - focused on improving the visitor experience - is on tap for the Breslin Student Events Center. The Breslin Center addition -- in all a $20 million project -- involves construction of a new box office, the Tom Izzo Hall of History and, for the student-athletes and coaches of the men's and women's basketball teams, the addition of the Draymond Green Strength and Conditioning Center, a hydration station, lounges for players and recruits, and an alumni locker room. The work began in January 2016, with substantial completion expected by August of 2017 and final completion by June 2018.
The Book on Tom Izzo
Coach Izzo
In his 22nd year, Tom Izzo (Northern Michigan, '77) is 528-208 (.717), and 246-112 (.687) in the Big Ten, as the head coach of the Michigan State basketball program. He ranks as the winningest coach in Michigan State history, having passed his mentor Jud Heathcote with his 341st career victory on Nov. 28, 2009. In his 21 seasons as a head coach, Izzo has captured eight National Coach of the Year awards, including the Clair Bee Award in 2005 and NABC honors in 2001 and 2012. In 1999, Izzo was named National Coach of the Year by Basketball Times, while earning similar honors from The Associated Press, Basketball News and the USBWA in '98. He also earned National Coach of the Year accolades from CBSSports.com in 2012. He earned Big Ten Coach of the Year honors in 1998, 2009 and 2012. Izzo was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on September 9, 2016, cementing his status as one of the game's all-time greats.
Among The Big Ten's Best
Tom Izzo's .687 winning percentage in Big Ten games ranks third all-time among league coaches with at least 10 years of service, behind former Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan (.717), and former Indiana coach Bob Knight (.700), and ahead of former Purdue coach Ward Lambert (.685). In all games, Ohio State's Thad Matta ranks first at .754, followed by Ryan (.737), Knight (.734), Izzo (.717), Wisconsin's Walter Meanwell (.712), and Lambert (.709). With 246 conference victories, Izzo ranks third all time.
Izzo Among Best Ever
Through his first 21 seasons, Tom Izzo won 524 games, ranking fifth in college basketball history for most wins by a college coach in his first 21 years.
Final Fours
Tom Izzo led MSU to seven Final Four appearances between 1999 and 2015, becoming just the fourth school in college basketball history to do it in any 17-year span, including just the third since the tournament field expanded to 64 teams in 1985. Izzo's seven Final Fours are the most by any coach since his first season in 1996 and he ranks fifth all-time, including tied for fifth among active coaches. The seven Final Fours are also the most by any Big Ten coach.
| Michigan State (4-3) vs. #5/4 Duke (6-1) | |
| Date | Tuesday, November 29, 2016 |
| Time | 9:30 p.m. ET |
| Location | Durham, N.C. | Cameron Indoor Stadium |
| Television | ESPN (Dan Shulman, Jay Bilas and Maria Taylor) |
| Radio | Spartan Sports Network (Will Tieman, Matt Steigenga) |
| Game Notes | Michigan State | Duke |
| Statistics | Michigan State | Duke |
| Social Media | @MSU_Basketball  | Facebook  | Instagram |
The Opening Tip
Michigan State travels to Duke for the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. This is the Spartans' third trip to Durham in challenge history, with both previous games being decided by seven points or less. The game will be the sixth road game in the first eight contests for MSU, as the Spartans have already played games in Hawaii, New York, Michigan and the Bahamas.
The Starting Five
1. The Nation's Toughest November
Tuesday's game marks the final game in what is arguably the toughest opening month in college basketball history, certainly Spartan history. Having already played games against No. 2 Kentucky, No. 10 Arizona and No. 20 Baylor (rankings at date of game), Duke marks the fourth ranked opponent MSU will play in November alone. The Spartans have never faced three Top 10 opponents in November, and have never played four Top 20 non-conference opponents in a single month during the regular season. Not only will the Spartans play a diabolical slate of opponents, they will face a brutal travel schedule to open the season. Beginning with a flight to Hawaii on November 8 and ending with the return flight from Duke on Nov. 29, the Spartans will travel more than 13,600 miles in 22 days, including additional trips to New York City and the Bahamas.
2. Big Ten/ACC Challenge History
Michigan State is 7-9 in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge and had its 2001 game against Virginia in Richmond cancelled due to unplayable wet floor conditions. After dropping the first 10 challenges, the Big Ten has captured five of the last seven, with the conferences splitting the 2012 and 2013 Challenges, 6-6. Last year, the Big Ten captured the Commissioner's Cup, winning 8-6.
3. Bridges Makes An Immediate Impact
Although it's early in the season, Miles Bridges is on pace to have one of the most productive freshman seasons in Michigan State history. Bridges' scoring average of 17.4 points per game is the best ever for a Spartan freshman, slightly better than Earvin Johnson's 17.0 ppg in 1977-78. Only Greg Kelser (9.6 rpg, 1975-76) posted a better rebounding average than Bridges' current 8.7 average.
4. Playing The Best
Since the 1997-98 season, the year of Michigan State's first of 19 straight trips to the NCAA Tournament, the Spartans have played 208 games against ranked opponents. That total ranks first among teams that have appeared in a Final Four since then. The Spartans are followed by North Carolina (193), Texas (186), Duke (182), Illinois (175), Kentucky (175) and Michigan (173).
5. Nairn's Homecoming
Lourawls "Tum Tum" Nairn Jr. had a very productive homecoming during MSU's play in the Battle 4 Atlantis. A native of Nassau, Nairn had arguably his best three-game stretch as a Spartan, matching or setting a career high in each game. He tied a career high in points with 13 points vs. St. John's, and set new career highs in rebounding (6) vs. Baylor and assists (12) vs. Wichita State. He also hit 4-of-6 3-pointers, after entering the tournament with seven threes in his first 71 career games.
MSU vs. Duke Notes
Coach Krzyzewski
Mike Krzyzewski (Army, '69) is the winningest coach in the history of Division I basketball with a 1,049-322 (.765) overall record in 42 seasons, including 976-263 (.788) in 37 seasons at Duke. Krzyzewski is one of only two coaches in NCAA history to win at least five National Championships (1991, 1992, 2001, 2010, 2015). His 12 Final Four appearances are tied for most all-time. He has won 13 ACC Tournament Championships and 12 regular-season ACC titles. As head coach of USA Basketball, Krzyzewski led the United States to back-to-back-back gold medals in the Olympics (2008 Beijing, 2012 London, 2016 Rio).
Series History
Duke leads the all-time series against Michigan State, 10-2, including a 2-0 advantage on a neutral court. Six of the last seven meetings in the series, and eight of the last 10, have all been decided by 10 points or less. The two ACC/Big Ten Challenge games at Cameron Indoor Stadium have been decided by seven points or less. Duke is 3-0 against MSU in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. The Spartans' last win in the series was a 78-68 victory in the Sweet 16 of the 2005 NCAA Tournament in Dallas.
The Last Meeting
No. 1 seed Duke defeated No. 7 seed Michigan State, 81-61, on April 4, 2015, in the Final Four in Indianapolis. MSU jumped out to a 14-6 lead, but Duke took the lead midway through the first half. A 27-8 Blue Devil run had DU's lead at 33-22 with 2:37 left in the opening half, as Duke controlled the rest of the contest. Denzel Valentine led all players in both scoring (22 points) and rebounding (11 rebounds). Justise Winslow led Duke with 19 points, while Jahlil Okafor scored 18 and Quinn Cook had 17.
About Duke
Duke enters Tuesday's contest 6-1 overall, including a win over Penn State, with its sole loss coming to Kansas by two in the Champions Classic. Sophomore guard Luke Kennard leads the Blue Devils in points (17.1), rebounds (6.7) and assists (3.9) and Duke has five players averaging in double figures. The Blue Devils score 85.6 points per game and have scored over 70 points in each of their first seven games, while hold their opponents to just 63.6 points. Entering Tuesday, Duke has won 129 consecutive non-conference games played at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Spartan Basketball Notes
MSU's Freshman Class
Michigan State's freshman class of Miles Bridges, Joshua Langford, Nick Ward and Cassius Winston was widely regarded as one of the top recruiting classes in the nation. Bridges and Langford were McDonald's All-Americans, Winston joined Bridges as Jordan Brand All-Americans and all four players were ranked in the Top 40 in the nation. They are expected to have an immediate impact on the Spartans in 2016-17. In fact, they have the potential to go down as the most productive freshman class under Tom Izzo. The 2001-02 Spartan freshmen of Alan Anderson, Chris Hill, Kelvin Torbert and Aaron Alexander combined to average 77.4 minutes and 26.5 points, both of which rank first in the Izzo era. The 2002-03 freshmen (Maurice Ager, Paul Davis, Erazem Lorbek) averaged a combined 20.9 points, while 2012-13 freshmen (Matt Costello, Gary Harris, Denzel Valentine and Trevor Bohnhoff) averaged 19.7 points. Through seven games, the freshman quartet is averaging a combined 37.1 points, 17.7 rebounds and 79.7 minutes.
Harris Key To Spartan Attack
Eron Harris is proving to be a great barometer for the Spartans' chances of victory. MSU is 4-0 when he scores in double figures and 0-3 when he scores fewer than 10. He's averaging 19.3 points in wins and 4.0 in the three losses.
MSU In November
Michigan State has an all-time record of 125-34 in games played in the month of November. This includes an 82-3 mark at home. The last team to beat MSU at home in November was a David Robinson-led Navy squad that bested the Spartans, 91-90, in overtime on Nov. 29, 1986. Tom Izzo is 60-0 all-time at home in November, 90-28 for the month.
Hall of Famer Tom Izzo
Now in his 22nd season at Michigan State, Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo has built the Spartans into one of the elite programs in the nation. MSU is the only school in the country to win 27 or more games in each of the last five seasons. The Spartans' 19 straight NCAA Tournaments are a Big Ten record, the third-longest active streak in the nation and the fourth-longest active streak of all time. He's been able to accomplish this while playing more ranked teams than anyone else since 1998. Michigan State has appeared in a nation's best seven Final Fours in the last 18 seasons. Izzo's seven Final Four trips are tied for fifth most in NCAA history. Izzo was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame on Sept. 9.
Spartan Defense
Michigan State has held opponents under 40 percent shooting from the field in each of the last five seasons, including finishing second in the nation in field-goal percentage defense in 2012 (.379) and 2016 (.382). The strong defensive effort has carried over to 2016-17, as five of seven opponents have been held under 40 percent, as MSU boasts a field-goal percentage defense of .382.
From Beyond the Arc
The 2015-16 Spartans led the nation in 3-point field goal percentage (.434) and made a school record 321 3-pointers. This year's Spartan squad must replace Bryn Forbes (112) and Denzel Valentine (104) who combined for 216 3-pointers last season. MSU is shooting .387 from behind the arc this year, as Eron Harris (.432, 16-37), Miles Bridges (.400, 14-35) and Matt McQuaid (.400, 14-35) all average two or more made 3-pointers per contest. Last season, Harris shot .439 (43-98) from behind the arc, while McQuaid hit .409 (27-66) of his attempts.
Spartans Share The Ball
Unselfishness is a trademark of all Tom Izzo teams. That has been especially true over the last three seasons as MSU has established a school record for assists in each of the last three years. Last season, MSU tallied a school record 719 assists, good for the 22nd-best total in NCAA history. MSU's nation's-best assist average of 20.5 was the 23rd-best average in NCAA history. The Spartans recorded an assist on a nation's-best 71.3 percent of its field goals. In 2014-15, MSU totaled 646 assists (16.6 apg), after recording 637 (16.8 apg) in 2013-14. The Spartans are averaging 18.7 assists in 2016-17, recording an assist on 72.0 percent of their field goals.
It's All About Boardwork
Being forced to play with a smaller front court due to injury, rebounding will be a major point of emphasis for Michigan State. Through seven games, MSU has a +4.0 rebound margin, out-rebounding the opponent in three of seven contests. In the Tom Izzo era, MSU has out-rebounded 567 of 736 opponents (.771), posting a 450-117 (.794) mark in those games. The Spartans have led the nation in rebounding in five of the last 17 seasons (2000, 2001, 2009, 2010, 2016), ranking in the Top 10 10 times and the Top 25 on 13 occasions. MSU has led the Big Ten in rebounding margin in conference games in 13 of the last 19 years and in 14 of 21 seasons under Izzo.
Too Many Turnovers
One of the downsides to playing a lot of new players and multiple combinations is an increased number of turnovers. After averaging fewer than 12 turnovers in each of the last three seasons, this year's Spartan squad is averaging 15.3 per contest. MSU is 4-1 when committing 15 or fewer turnovers and 0-2 when committing more. Michigan State's starting point guard Tum Tum Nairn Jr., however, is averaging just 1.6 per game and ranks second in the Big Ten in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.5).
Bridges' Preseason Honors
Freshman Miles Bridges is already gathering some national attention. The Flint, Michigan, native was tabbed preseason First Team All-America by The Sporting News, while also landing a spot on the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award, Naismith Trophy and Wooden Award Preseason Watch Lists.
Spartans In The NBA
Michigan State had a Big Ten-best eight players on NBA opening day rosters, including Denzel Valentine (Bulls), Gary Harris (Nuggets), Deyonta Davis (Grizzlies), Bryn Forbes (Spurs), Draymond Green (Warriors), Adreian Payne (Timberwolves), Zach Randolph (Grizzlies) and Alan Anderson (Clippers).
Spartan Depth
Nine Spartans average more than 11 minutes per game, while 11 players average more than six minutes per contest. The depth has helped MSU's reserves outscore the opponent's bench in five of seven contests.
Harris Tops Spartan Returners
Senior Eron Harris is Michigan State's leading returning scorer at 9.3 points per game. He is the only returning Spartan to have started a game last February or March. In the four games Denzel Valentine missed due to injury last season, Harris averaged 17.8 points. He has been named to the Jerry West Award Watch List, presented to the top shooting guard in the nation. As a sophomore at West Virginia in 2013-14, Harris averaged 17.2 points.
Strength of Schedule
In total, the 2016-17 schedule features 15 teams that appeared in the 2016 postseason, including 11 opponents that played in the 2016 NCAA Tournament.
2017 Recruiting Class
Michigan State signed a pair of forwards on the first day of the early signing period on Nov. 9. Jaren Jackson Jr. is a 5-star 6-11, 220-pound forward from Indianapolis. Playing as a senior at La Lumiere, the No. 1 high school team in America, Jackson Jr. has been named to the All-USA Preseason Boys Basketball Team as selected by USA TODAY Sports. He is the son of Jaren Jackson Sr., a former star at Georgetown and 1999 NBA Champion with the San Antonio Spurs. Despite his 6-11 frame, he shot .442 from 3-point range as a junior. He was a member of the 2016 USA Basketball U17 team that won a gold medal in Spain. Xavier Tillman is a 4-star 6-8, 270-pound forward from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is a three-time MLIVE Grand Rapids Press Dream Team honoree. He averaged 16 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists as a junior, shooting 62% from the field while playing for Grand Rapids Christian, earning 2016 Associated Press Class A All-State honors.
Big Ten Schedule
With a 14-team conference each Big Ten team will play five schools twice, four schools on the road, and four schools at home. Michigan State will go home and home with Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio State and Purdue. The Spartans will host Iowa, Northwestern, Rutgers and Wisconsin, while traveling to Illinois, Indiana, Maryland and Penn State. Seven of Michigan State's 13 Big Ten opponents appeared in the 2016 postseason, including six in the NCAA Tournament (Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Purdue and Wisconsin) and one in the NIT (Ohio State).
Spartans In The Polls
Michigan State is receiving votes in both the Associated Press Top 25 and in the USA Today Coaches Poll this week. Four Big Ten teams are featured in this week's poll, including Indiana (No. 13 AP/ No. 10 USA Today), Purdue (15/16), Wisconsin (17/17) and Maryland (RV/22). In addition to the conference opponents, MSU plays Kentucky (1/1), Duke (5/4), Baylor (9/11) and Arizona (16/15) and in November.
Coaching Stability
Michigan State has had just two basketball coaches in the last 41 seasons and three in the last 48. Tom Izzo is in his 22nd season, having taking over from his mentor Jud Heathcote, who spent 19 years as head coach (1976-95). Before Heathcote, Gus Ganakas spent seven seasons as head coach. Ganakas is currently in his 31st-straight season providing commentary on Spartan radio broadcasts.
Backcourt Experience
Michigan State's backcourt is its most experienced unit with seniors Eron Harris and Alvin Ellis III, junior Lourawls "Tum Tum" Nairn Jr. and sophomore Matt McQuaid all having played significant minutes during their career. Harris, Nairn and Ellis entered the season with a combined 60 career starts at MSU, including 41 last year. It will also receive an influx of talent from 2016 McDonald's All-American Joshua Langford and 2016 Michigan Mr. Basketball winner Cassius Winston, providing MSU with one of the deeper backcourts in the nation.
Nation's Best Seven Final Fours in 18 Years
Michigan State advanced to the 2015 Final Four, marking the seventh trip to the Final Four in 20 seasons under Tom Izzo. The seven trips in the last 18 seasons rank as the most in the nation. In addition, MSU has appeared in 19 straight NCAA Tournaments, marking the nation's third-longest active streak, and the longest streak in Big Ten history.
Breslin Upgrades on the Horizon
A major facilities upgrade - focused on improving the visitor experience - is on tap for the Breslin Student Events Center. The Breslin Center addition -- in all a $20 million project -- involves construction of a new box office, the Tom Izzo Hall of History and, for the student-athletes and coaches of the men's and women's basketball teams, the addition of the Draymond Green Strength and Conditioning Center, a hydration station, lounges for players and recruits, and an alumni locker room. The work began in January 2016, with substantial completion expected by August of 2017 and final completion by June 2018.
The Book on Tom Izzo
Coach Izzo
In his 22nd year, Tom Izzo (Northern Michigan, '77) is 528-208 (.717), and 246-112 (.687) in the Big Ten, as the head coach of the Michigan State basketball program. He ranks as the winningest coach in Michigan State history, having passed his mentor Jud Heathcote with his 341st career victory on Nov. 28, 2009. In his 21 seasons as a head coach, Izzo has captured eight National Coach of the Year awards, including the Clair Bee Award in 2005 and NABC honors in 2001 and 2012. In 1999, Izzo was named National Coach of the Year by Basketball Times, while earning similar honors from The Associated Press, Basketball News and the USBWA in '98. He also earned National Coach of the Year accolades from CBSSports.com in 2012. He earned Big Ten Coach of the Year honors in 1998, 2009 and 2012. Izzo was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on September 9, 2016, cementing his status as one of the game's all-time greats.
Among The Big Ten's Best
Tom Izzo's .687 winning percentage in Big Ten games ranks third all-time among league coaches with at least 10 years of service, behind former Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan (.717), and former Indiana coach Bob Knight (.700), and ahead of former Purdue coach Ward Lambert (.685). In all games, Ohio State's Thad Matta ranks first at .754, followed by Ryan (.737), Knight (.734), Izzo (.717), Wisconsin's Walter Meanwell (.712), and Lambert (.709). With 246 conference victories, Izzo ranks third all time.
Izzo Among Best Ever
Through his first 21 seasons, Tom Izzo won 524 games, ranking fifth in college basketball history for most wins by a college coach in his first 21 years.
Final Fours
Tom Izzo led MSU to seven Final Four appearances between 1999 and 2015, becoming just the fourth school in college basketball history to do it in any 17-year span, including just the third since the tournament field expanded to 64 teams in 1985. Izzo's seven Final Fours are the most by any coach since his first season in 1996 and he ranks fifth all-time, including tied for fifth among active coaches. The seven Final Fours are also the most by any Big Ten coach.
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/ Men's BasketballTom Izzo | Men's Basketball Press Conference | Apr. 16 2025
Wednesday, April 16
Tom Izzo | Men's Basketball Press Conference | Mar. 25 2025
Tuesday, March 25
Tom Izzo | Men's Basketball Press Conference | Mar. 18 2025
Tuesday, March 18
Tom Izzo | Men's Basketball Press Conference | March 16, 2025
Sunday, March 16