Michigan State basketball has been a powerhouse in the Big Ten for years under the leadership of head coach Tom Izzo. With 26 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, Izzo is considered the elder statesman of the conference. However, despite their consistent success, the Spartans have not been as dominant in recent seasons.
In the 2019-2020 season, Michigan State finished atop the Big Ten standings with players like Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman leading the way. Since then, the Spartans have struggled to reclaim the top spot, often finding themselves on the bubble for NCAA Tournament selection.
Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, there is renewed hope among Spartans fans. Last season, the team had high expectations but ultimately fell short, exiting the NCAA Tournament in the second round as a nine-seed. With the departure of key players like Tyson Walker and Malik Hall, Michigan State needed to make some moves in the offseason.
One of their key additions is Frankie Fidler, a transfer from Omaha who brings scoring prowess to the team. Fidler averaged 20 points per game for the Mavericks last season, adding a much-needed offensive boost to the Spartans. Additionally, Michigan State surprised fans by bringing in seven-footer Szymon Zapala from Longwood University to improve their post play.
The rest of the Spartan roster looks promising, with players like Jaden Akins and Jeremy Fears Jr. expected to contribute significantly. Fears showed flashes of brilliance in the early part of the 2023-24 season before succumbing to a season-ending injury. Despite the challenges, Michigan State remains optimistic about their chances in a tough Big Ten conference.
As the new season approaches, the Spartans will need to come together and prove that they can compete at the highest level. With Izzo at the helm, Michigan State is determined to make a statement in the Big Ten and beyond.
