2012-13 College Basketball Preview: 13. Michigan State Spartans

By Kels Dayton
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Updated: September 23, 2012

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13. Michigan State Spartans

WHY THEY’RE SCARY: State returns three starters from a team that won 29 games and tied for the Big Ten title. Junior guard Keith Appling (11.4 ppg, 3.9 apg) is the headliner, and sophomore Brandon Dawson (8.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg) could emerge as a threat in the backcourt. In addition, big man Adrian Payne (6-10, 240 pounds) appears ready to take over a leading role in the frontcourt.

WHAT SCARES US: You can’t lose a player like Draymond Green and expect to be the same team. Green did everything for the Spartans, from rebounding (he is the all-time leader) to scoring to dishing, even selling popcorn. Like Magic and Mateen, it won’t be the same without him.

FINAL DESTINATION: Izzo is often most dangerous when it appears his team is going to have a down year. The Spartans will miss Draymond, but there is enough talent here to keep things humming. The schedule is tough, as always–and the Big Ten figures to be a meat grinder–but Appling, Dawson, Nix and company will help State dish out its share of pain.

Schedule: