College Basketball Preview: 2. Michigan State Spartans

In order to get back to the Final Four, the Spartans need big play from post players including Derrick Nix(50).

Michigan State Spartans, Key Losses: F Raymar Morgan Key Returnees: G Kalin Lucas, F Draymond Green, G Durrell Summers

Few teams can beat the Spartans when they are at top strength. That was true last NCAA tournament when even losing star Kalin Lucas to an Achilles injury rolled to a Final Four appearance. The team lost just Raymar Morgan but with the returns of Lucas, Durrell Summers and Draymond Green they have a big three can score 60 points a game between them. To load up their backcourt they brought in star recruit Adreian Payne and and Keith Appling, both guards. Post play was an upcoming issue for Tom Izzo's squad. Center Derrick Nix will likely gain a starting job at the spot. New forwards Alex Gauna and Russell Byrd could attract some interest from Izzo and gain a starting job.

Big Ten Rank: 1st
Last Season Results: 28-9, lost to Butler in Final Four
Key Recruits:G Adreian Payne(20+), G Keith Appling(34+), F Russell Byrd(108+)