No. 14 Indiana | No. 16 Vanderbilt | Full List
No. 15: MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS
Last Season: 27-12, 12-6 Big Ten
Last year, Tom Izzo reached the Final Four for the seventh time as the head coach at Michigan State. And an eighth appearance in 2015-16 seemed likely once top-10 prospect Caleb Swanigan announced he was taking his talents to East Lansing. But Swanigan de-committed a month later and ultimately picked Purdue. That reduced the expectations for the 2015-16 Spartans, but not by much.
Eron Harris averaged 17.2 PPG and connected on 42 percent of his 3-pointers at West Virginia two seasons ago. He's eligible now for a team that needs a star. Gritty vet Denzel Valentine is back, and Deyonta Davis, a 6-9 McDonald's All-American, is the new centerpiece of a solid recruiting class.
The Spartans should compete for the Big Ten crown and mess up some brackets once March arrives. Again. -- Myron Medcalf
Best Case: The best case for Michigan State is always the Final Four, and it is one that we have seen over and over again. Behind Denzel Valentine, who had a marvelous summer and showed himself to be among the best guards in the nation, Bryn Forbes and Tum Tum Nairn, Tom Izzo has quality guards and good depth. The difference-maker is West Virginia transfer Eron Harris, who can be Big Ten Player of the Year. Last year, Sparty moved the ball, ranking ninth in the nation in assist percentage.
Worst Case: Michigan State has had injuries in the past, and that is always a factor for any team. If Harris does not carry over his play into games that count, the Spartans can be good but not great. Michigan State will be closer to best case than worst case in 2016.
"Who is going to make the big plays now that Travis Trice is gone? They will be good defensively and will rebound, but who will make the big basket with the game on the line? Can Eron Harris fill that void? Can Denzel Valentine be an elite player?"
No. 14 Indiana | No. 16 Vanderbilt | Full List
