MisterMarch
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Hi, everybody! I've been reading the board for a couple days and I decided to join the discussion. I'll lay out some information I think is relevant, and I'll try to answer any questions you might have as well.
First, I'd like to debunk a common misconception: MSU does NOT prefer a slow, grind-it-out style of play. I've seen a couple posters make this claim, and it's understandable if you've only watched a few games against B1G competition. However, the Spartans are at their nest when they're running the floor. Trice and Valentine love throwing up lobs to Dawson in transition, and Tum Tum Nairn is one of the fastest players in the college game. I know you guys like your chances if this game turns into a track meet, but MSU is very good defensively in transition. It's a point of emphasis for Izzo and I see this being a real battle.
Next, I want to break down this MSU team for you a little bit.
Lourawls "Tum Tum" Nairn
The Spartans' starting PG isn't much of a shooter, but he's lightning fast and he has good vision. His passing isn't flashy but he generally makes good decisions.
Travis Trice
He spent most of last year splitting time at PG, but he moved to the 2 spot earlier this season. He can shoot the lights out, but tends to be a bit streaky from behind the arc. Drives strong to the basket, especially in transition, and he finishes well. Size is his only real weakness. He's playing out of his mind right now, but he's still only 6 feet tall and 170 pounds soaking wet. He's been pushed around by big, physical guards in the past.
Denzel Valentine
Possibly the most gifted player on this team. He has good size, good speed, and he's an assist machine. Streaky jumpshooter, but when he catches fire he's nearly unstoppable. Rebounds very well and gets the ball out quickly in transition. At times, he struggles with "schoolyard syndrome," going for the flashy dish rather than making the smarter, safer pass. Once again, when he's on target he's your worst nightmare. When he's not, he can be a liability.
Branden Dawson
The closest thing to an NBA-ready player on the roster. He might be only 6'6", but he plays much bigger because he's so freakishly athletic. Not much of a threat from outside, but he has a soft touch on midrange jumpers and drives to the basket with authority. Plays above the rim on both ends of the floor, and if he stays out of foul trouble he will hurt you on the glass and block some shots while he's at it. His handle is perhaps his greatest weakness; at times he struggles to control the ball when driving into the lane.
Matt Costello
Not the most athletic player on the team, but he gets back in transition and rebounds well. He does very well with leverage and positioning, and he has the ability to post up and score or find an open teammate on the wing. He gets in foul trouble at times when guarding faster or bigger post players.
Gavin Schilling
More athletic than Costello, but he makes the mistakes you'd expect from a younger post player. Dumb fouls have kept him off the floor a bit more than we'd like. He can post up and score, but don't expect him to do much from outside of 8 feet or so.
Marvin Clark
Freshman with a lot of upside. Athletic enough to drive and finish strong, but he can hit from range as well. Expect him to spell Dawson and Valentine, but his minutes are limited by his defensive ability at this point.
Bryn Forbes
Transfer out of Cleveland State. Very accurate three-point shooter. He can drive and score, but his size makes him more effective from range. Defensively he's improved over the year, so expect him to log significant minutes in relief of the other guards.
Alvin Ellis
He's had some injury-related setbacks, but he's an effective scorer. He'll see a little bit of time, but nothing major unless MSU ends up in foul trouble.
Colby Wollenman
He's your standard basic white guy walk-on. He plays a smart game and avoids mistakes, exactly what MSU needs when their bigs get too many fouls too early.
Overall, the Spartans are a great rebounding team, and they play with great chemistry. No one is overly selfish, and everyone is willing to spread the ball around. They're way more than the sum of their parts. Free throws have been a nagging problem, but they've slowly pulled up their average throughout the postseason and unless Oklahoma starts intentionally hacking them early, I don't think it will be a huge factor. Rebounding and staying out of foul trouble are the keys to the game for Izzo's squad.
My prediction: MSU 79 - OU 72 in a game that is closer than the score indicates.
I'll be happy to answer any questions you might gave, and I look forward to a great game tomorrow night.
First, I'd like to debunk a common misconception: MSU does NOT prefer a slow, grind-it-out style of play. I've seen a couple posters make this claim, and it's understandable if you've only watched a few games against B1G competition. However, the Spartans are at their nest when they're running the floor. Trice and Valentine love throwing up lobs to Dawson in transition, and Tum Tum Nairn is one of the fastest players in the college game. I know you guys like your chances if this game turns into a track meet, but MSU is very good defensively in transition. It's a point of emphasis for Izzo and I see this being a real battle.
Next, I want to break down this MSU team for you a little bit.
Lourawls "Tum Tum" Nairn
The Spartans' starting PG isn't much of a shooter, but he's lightning fast and he has good vision. His passing isn't flashy but he generally makes good decisions.
Travis Trice
He spent most of last year splitting time at PG, but he moved to the 2 spot earlier this season. He can shoot the lights out, but tends to be a bit streaky from behind the arc. Drives strong to the basket, especially in transition, and he finishes well. Size is his only real weakness. He's playing out of his mind right now, but he's still only 6 feet tall and 170 pounds soaking wet. He's been pushed around by big, physical guards in the past.
Denzel Valentine
Possibly the most gifted player on this team. He has good size, good speed, and he's an assist machine. Streaky jumpshooter, but when he catches fire he's nearly unstoppable. Rebounds very well and gets the ball out quickly in transition. At times, he struggles with "schoolyard syndrome," going for the flashy dish rather than making the smarter, safer pass. Once again, when he's on target he's your worst nightmare. When he's not, he can be a liability.
Branden Dawson
The closest thing to an NBA-ready player on the roster. He might be only 6'6", but he plays much bigger because he's so freakishly athletic. Not much of a threat from outside, but he has a soft touch on midrange jumpers and drives to the basket with authority. Plays above the rim on both ends of the floor, and if he stays out of foul trouble he will hurt you on the glass and block some shots while he's at it. His handle is perhaps his greatest weakness; at times he struggles to control the ball when driving into the lane.
Matt Costello
Not the most athletic player on the team, but he gets back in transition and rebounds well. He does very well with leverage and positioning, and he has the ability to post up and score or find an open teammate on the wing. He gets in foul trouble at times when guarding faster or bigger post players.
Gavin Schilling
More athletic than Costello, but he makes the mistakes you'd expect from a younger post player. Dumb fouls have kept him off the floor a bit more than we'd like. He can post up and score, but don't expect him to do much from outside of 8 feet or so.
Marvin Clark
Freshman with a lot of upside. Athletic enough to drive and finish strong, but he can hit from range as well. Expect him to spell Dawson and Valentine, but his minutes are limited by his defensive ability at this point.
Bryn Forbes
Transfer out of Cleveland State. Very accurate three-point shooter. He can drive and score, but his size makes him more effective from range. Defensively he's improved over the year, so expect him to log significant minutes in relief of the other guards.
Alvin Ellis
He's had some injury-related setbacks, but he's an effective scorer. He'll see a little bit of time, but nothing major unless MSU ends up in foul trouble.
Colby Wollenman
He's your standard basic white guy walk-on. He plays a smart game and avoids mistakes, exactly what MSU needs when their bigs get too many fouls too early.
Overall, the Spartans are a great rebounding team, and they play with great chemistry. No one is overly selfish, and everyone is willing to spread the ball around. They're way more than the sum of their parts. Free throws have been a nagging problem, but they've slowly pulled up their average throughout the postseason and unless Oklahoma starts intentionally hacking them early, I don't think it will be a huge factor. Rebounding and staying out of foul trouble are the keys to the game for Izzo's squad.
My prediction: MSU 79 - OU 72 in a game that is closer than the score indicates.
I'll be happy to answer any questions you might gave, and I look forward to a great game tomorrow night.
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