That being said, there still have been several Spartan center’s who did make the headlines frequently. In my opinion, here are the 10 best centers to suit up in the green and white:

Rank	Player	Bio
10	Ted Williams (1960-63)	Ted Williams played for three seasons under head coach Forrest “Forrdy” Anderson and led the Spartans in rebounding during his sophomore season in 1960-61 (freshmen were not eligible to play before 1972) with 288 boards (12.0 avg). The 6’7” center grabbed a career high of 25 rebounds against Michigan in January of 1961. Williams averaged 9.1 rebounds per game in his career, the ninth best in Spartan history. He did not get drafted and never played in the NBA.
9	Jamie Feick (1992-96)	Jamie Feick played for Jud Heathcote as his coaching tenure at MSU came to an end in 1995, and was a senior during Tom Izzo’s first year as the head coach. The 6'9", 255 pound center had very successful junior and senior seasons as he led the team in rebounding in 1994-95 with 281 (10.1 avg) and in 1995-96 with 303 (9.5 avg). Also in 1995, Feick was named to the All-Big Ten Third Team as he led the Spartans in field goal percentage shooting 62 percent from the floor. Feick was a team-captain for the Spartans his senior year and was then selected in the second round of the 1996 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.
8	Adam Ballinger (1998-2003)	A two-time captain in 2001-02 and 2002-03, the 6’9” center made this list because of the impact he made on the defensive end of the floor. Ballinger ranks 10th all-time in school history for career blocked shots with 73. He led the team as a senior in 2002-03 with 20 total blocks. In that same year, when the Spartans made a run to the Elite Eight as a #7 seed, Ballinger averaged 5.5 points a game. As a junior in 2002, Ballinger was voted All-Big Ten Third Team by the media.
7	Bill Kilgore (1970-73)	Bill Kilgore joined MSU’s 20-rebound club in February of 1971 with two games of 20 boards each against Wisconsin and Minnesota. Kilgore led the Spartans in rebounding each season with 309 (12.8 avg) as a sophomore, 266 (11.1 avg) as a junior, and 239 (9.9 avg) as a senior. In addition, the 6'7" center led the team in field goal percentage each year, shooting 56 percent from the floor throughout his Spartan career. Kilgore was the team-captain for the Spartans in his senior year and was then picked in the ninth round of the 1973 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons.
6	Zach Randolph (2000-01)	Randolph would probably be number one on this list if he hadn’t declared for the NBA Draft after his freshman season. In his only season, Randolph played his role in helping the Spartans capture their fourth straight Big Ten Championship and securing their third Final Four in a row. The 6’9”, 253-pound center averaged 10.8 points and 6.7 rebounds coming off the bench for the Spartans. Randolph was selected as a power forward in the first round of the 2001 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. Throughout his career in the NBA, Randolph has averaged 17.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per game in 11 regular seasons. In four playoff appearances, Randolph has averaged 17.2 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. He is currently a member of the Memphis Grizzlies.
5	Kevin Willis (1981-84)	Kevin Willis played for three seasons under Jud Heathcote shortly after Magic Johnson, Greg Kelser, and Jay Vincent had all left campus (Willis played his freshman season at Jackson Community College). In the 1982-83 season, the 7-footer led the team in field goal percentage, shooting 60 percent from the floor. During that same year, Willis recorded 20 rebounds in two games each against Northwestern and Wisconsin. He led the Spartans in rebounding with 258 (9.6 avg) in 1982-83 and with 192 (7.7 avg) in 1983-84. Willis also led the team in blocks in 1982-83 with 35 and in 1983-84 with 24. He was named to the All-Big Ten Third Team in 1983. Willis was a team-captain in 1984 and was then selected in the first round by Atlanta in the 1984 NBA Draft.
4	Mike Peplowski (1989-93)	Mike Peplowski did the dirty work down low while playing alongside Spartan greats like Steve Smith, Shawn Respert, Eric Snow, and Mark Montgomery. Hailing from De La Salle Collegiate in Warren, Mich., Peplowski led the Spartans in rebounding in 1990-91 with 206 (6.9 avg), 1991-92 with 259 (8.6 avg) and in 1992-93 with 279 (10.0 avg). Also in those three seasons, Peplowski led the team in field goal percentage averaging around 63 percent each year. In addition, Peplowski led the team in blocks in 1992-93 with 24. The hard-working 6’10” center finished his Spartan career with 906 rebounds, which ranks sixth in school history. Peplowski finished his Spartan career with 1,185 points, averaging 14.5 a game in his senior season, during which he was one of the team-captains. He was voted All-Big Ten First Team in 1992 and Third Team in 1993. Peplowski was selected in the second round of the 1993 NBA Draft by Sacramento.
3	Goran Suton (2004-09)	The 6’10” center out of Lansing Everett High School improved each year in a Spartan uniform. In his redshirt freshman year, the Bosnian-born Suton started six games at the power forward position alongside center Paul Davis. As a sophomore in 2006-07, Suton started 21 games averaging 9.3 points and 6.7 rebounds. During his junior year, Suton recorded 20 rebounds early in the season against Oakland University. Also in that 2007-08 season, Suton led the team in steals with 38 on the year. In 2008-09, he made the All-Big Ten Second Team, the NCAA All-Tournament Team, and was named the NCAA Midwest Regional Most Outstanding Player. He averaged 10.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and shot 84 percent from the free throw line during his outstanding and memorable senior season, as he was a key ingredient in the Spartans’ magical run to the National Championship game in Detroit. In 2006-07, 2007-08, and 2008-09, Suton led the Spartans in rebounds with 235, 295, and 269, respectively. Suton finished his Spartan career with 1,081 points. He was selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz and currently plays for the Cibona Zagreb in Croatia.
2	Horace Walker (1957-60)	The undersized center, standing at just 6’3”, had the most impressive rebounding performances out of anyone in a Spartan uniform, besides "Jumping" Johnny Green (#3 on Power Forward list). Walker had eight games with 20 or more rebounds and his career high of 29 boards came on Christmas Day of 1959 against Butler. As a team-captain in 1959-60, Walker led the team in scoring and rebounding, averaging 22.6 points per game as well as 17.7 boards per contest. Walker also shot 80 percent from the free throw line that year. Those stellar performances helped him make the All-Big Ten First Team in 1960, as well as the All-American Second Team as voted by the Converse Yearbook and the Helms Foundation. Walker was selected in the fourth round of the 1960 NBA Draft by St. Louis.
1	Paul Davis (2002-06)	One of the 2006 captains, the 6'11" center from Rochester, Mich. has one of the softest touches for a big man. He was tremendous at getting the ball above the low block, facing up against his defender, and consistently swishing the mid-range jumper. Davis made an impact during his freshman year, starting 5 games and averaging 7.8 points per game. He became known nationwide in the 2003 Sweet Sixteen when he scored the final four points of the game to help the Spartans beat Maryland and get to their fourth Elite Eight in five years. Davis made the All-Big Ten First Team in 2004, Third Team in 2005, and Second Team in 2006. Also during the 2003-04 season, Davis led the team in scoring as a sophomore with 474 total points. Davis played a huge role in helping the Spartans make their magical run to the Final Four in the 2005 NCAA Tournament, as he averaged 15 points and 10.8 rebounds in the first four rounds. In his senior year, Davis averaged 17.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game as well as shooting 87 percent from the free throw line. Davis ranks ninth on the all-time scoring list at MSU with 1,718 points. He was selected in the second round of the 2006 NBA Draft by the L.A. Clippers. Davis is currently playing center for CB Cajasol Sevilla, whom he signed with in September of 2010.

Is someone missing from this list? Should the list be in a different order? Answer the poll question and leave a comment.

The young man, and his uncle, the great AAU head coach Boo Williams, did an interview explaining their decision, which basically came done to this…

“We just want to make sure we get it right.” said Boo.

And while I am sure that getting the services of the forward will be great for any of the two six above mentioned programs, I am starting to feel that whatever Williams does, short of winning a national title, will never be enough with the way he is handling the recruiting process. Not saying that others do not do the same, but you have to admit that he is definitely making this process into a roller coaster ride. The young man, who is ranked as a five star by both Scout and ESPN, with Rivals having him as a four star, is probably going to be in the “one and done” category as he is among the best in his class. However, if this keeps up I am wondering if the hype is not going to be a lot more than what the product on the court is. In a day and age where everything is put under the microscope when it comes to evaluating someone I hope that, wherever the forward ends up, this is not one of the things that is talked about more than his skills on the court.

By all means this is probably the toughest decision Troy Williams has had to make in his life and it is only fair he do so when he is totally ready and committed to it. There is also no doubt in anyone’s mind that he can definitely be the player that makes the program he chooses that much better that it can win it all (or be among those few teams that could), but on the other hand, for programs like the ones mentioned having to wait also affects how they do their recruiting with other key players for that class as well as others to come. I am not sure when the young man will make a decision, but I have to think that with someone like his uncle helping him along with the process if there is something else beside besides “making sure of getting it right” behind the whole story.

As usual, when something else comes out about this I will make sure to post it, until then, it’s wait and see!

10. Lindsay Hairston (1972-1975)

A Detroit, Mich. native, Hairston was one of the better rebounding forwards in MSU history, even though he was only standing at about 6’7″. Hairston ranks 10th all-time on the MSU rebounding list with 803 rebounds in his career. In his senior season at MSU he averaged 19.3 ppg, which played major part in him being drafted by the Pistons in the fourth-round of the NBA Draft.

9. Pete Gent (1961-1964)

In today’s game, a player that is 6’4″ doesn’t do too much in the painted area. In the 1960′s, Gent played the game much different than the players of his stature today. Gent left MSU as the second career scorer, with a total of 1,146 points, and averaged 17.4 ppg over three years at MSU. Also, the undersized forward was able to average 8.3 rpg during his career, and was named to third team All-Big Ten in 1963 and second team All-Big Ten in 1964. In 1964, Gent was awarded the Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor, which is given annually to both a  male and female athlete at each of the Big Ten schools, who excel in the classroom as well as their sport. After college, Gent didn’t find himself in the NBA, but he found himself in the NFL playing wide receiver and tight end for the Dallas Cowboys even though he never played in college.

8. Andre Hutson (1997-2001)

A native of Trotwood, Ohio, Hutson played a pivotal role in the MSU championship of 2000. He was tough body in the painted area, and attempted to get his hands on every ball. Hutson ranks ninth all-time on the MSU blocks list with 75, and he ranks eighth in MSU history with 835 rebounds. Hutson was drafted to the Milwaukee Bucks in the second-round of the NBA Draft, but never played in the NBA. He has had a decent career overseas playing in Turkey, Greece, Italy, and Russia.

7. Lee Lafayette (1966-1969)

The photo-less Lee Lafayette was another undersized power forward in MSU’s history standing at about 6’6″. Lafayette averaged 16.8 ppg during his time at MSU, and ranks seventh in school history in rebounds per game averaging 10.2 for his career. Lafayette was drafted in the fourth-round of the NBA Draft by the San Francisco Warriors in 1969.

6. Ken Johnson (1983-1985)

Ken Johnson first put on a Michigan State uniform after transferring from UCLA in 1983. In the 1985 season, Johnson blocked 72 shots which is currently a single-season record at MSU. In his career at MSU he rejected 96 shots which ranks fifth in school history. Johnson was drafted in the second-round by the Chicago Bulls and was sent to the Portland Trailblazers in a draft-day trade. He had an 11-year NBA career.

5. Jay Vincent (1977-1981)

In his first two seasons Vincent was very important to the Spartans, but not as important as he was during his final two season at MSU after Greg Kelser left. Vincent averaged 22.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game during his final two seasons at MSU. Also, he ranks sixth all-time in scoring with 1,914 points. In 1980 and 1981, Vincent won the Big Ten scoring title after he averaged 22.1 ppg and 24.1 ppg during those seasons. He went on to have a pretty good 9-year NBA career playing for the Mavericks, Bullets, and Spurs.

4. Antonio Smith (1995-1999)

The least talked about “Flintstone,” Smith (far right) left before the Spartans (*cough Flintstones cough*) hoisted the 2000 NCAA National Championship. Smith is just one of four MSU Spartans to grab over 1,000 rebounds in their career. In his final two seasons at MSU, the Flintstone averaged 7.1 ppg, 8.5 rpg, and 1.2 spg. He was a monster on the glass, and was a disruptive body in the paint for opponents across the country.

3. Johnny Green (1956-1959)

While many people in the top five of these lists were heavily recruited players in high school, this man right here, Johnny Green, was not one of those guys. Some people have referred to Green as ” the greatest non-recruit in college basketball history.”  With one of the greatest stories in basketball history, which you can read here, Green took full advantage of his opportunity and led the Spartans to the Final Four in MSU’s first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. Known as Jumpin’ Johnny, Green averaged a MSU single-season record 17.8 rebounds to along with 18.0 points in 1958. He averaged 19.7 rpg during March Madness, which is a D-1 record, and is now third all-time on the MSU rebounding list with 1,036. Green was a consensus second team All-American in 1959, and had an excellent NBA career after being drafted 5th overall by the New York Knicks the same year. He played 14 NBA seasons, and was an NBA All-Star four times during his career.

2. Draymond Green (2008-2012)

There haven’t been many leaders in MSU history like “Day-Day” Green, hell, there haven’t been many players like “Day-Day” in college basketball history. Green left MSU as the leader in career rebounds with 1,095, and was second to Magic Johnson on the list of career triple-doubles in school history with three. After his senior season Green was pretty much on every first-team All-American list that you could fine, and he even won the NABC National Player of the Year award. Green is one of three players in MSU history with 1,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds.  He had 40 career double-doubles, and ranks second in MSU career blocks with 117 and steals with 180. Green did it all for the Spartans during his four-years at MSU, and it can be argued that he is the greatest all-around player in MSU history.

1. Greg Kelser (1975-1979)

The man better-known-as “Special K” was one of the greatest players in MSU history, as he was the main recipient of Magic Johnson’s passes during their time at MSU. Kelser ranks fourth all-time in MSU history in points with 2,014, and second all-time in rebounds with 1,092. He was a HUGE part of the Spartans first ever NCAA title in 1979, as he was the “high-flyer” on the team. Kelser had 19 points and eight boards in the title game against Larry Bird’s Indiana State squad. “Special K” ranks as the only basketball player in Spartan history to record more than 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in his career. Kelser was drafted by the Pistons 4th overall in 1979, but his NBA career was never able to match that of his college career. He is now known for his commentary for MSU basketball and the Detroit Pistons.

After the ACC took the first 10 challenges, the Big Ten has won the Commissioner Cup the past three years. All twelve games of the two-day event will be televised on either ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPNU.

The Spartans are ranked #9 in ESPN’s preseason rankings and should be favored to beat the unranked Hurricanes.

Two of the marquee match-ups of the 14th annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge will be on Nov. 27 when #13 North Carolina travels to Indiana to take on the #1 Hoosiers. The night after, the #8 Ohio State Buckeyes will face the #15 Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Here are all the match-ups for the 2012 ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

The headliners for this year’s challenge are; North Carolina at Indiana, Ohio State at Duke and North Carolina State at Michigan, six programs expected to be highly ranked entering the 2012-13 season.

The Big Ten will be looking for their 4th straight Commissioner’s Cup.

Here are all the match ups for this year’s challenge

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Just a heads-up, Steve Smith is not on this page because he was put on the top 10 point guard list. The power forward list is coming soon from isportsweb’s James Edwards III, but here are the all-time 10 best wing players at MSU:

10. Ralph Simpson (1969-70)

 Simpson only played for Michigan State for one year and some might think that he doesn’t belong on this list, but his numbers are hard to ignore. In just one season with the Spartans, the 6’5″ shooting guard averaged 29 points per game. Simpson also averaged 10.4 rebounds during that season, which ranks sixth in school history. He was named to the NABC All-American Third Team that year as well. His career high of 42 points came early in the season when the Spartans beat Western Michigan. Two weeks later, he dropped 40 points on Oregon.

9. Stan Washington (1963-66)

Stan Washington played for three seasons for the Spartans under two different coaches, Forrest “Forddy” Anderson and John Benington, and finished his career averaging a double-double. He averaged 18 points per game, which ranks sixth in among Spartans all-time. The 6’3″ wing was also a tremendous rebounder averaging 10.5 boards throughout his career, which ranks fifth in school history. Washington made the All-Big Ten Third Team in 1964, Second Team in 1965, and First Team in 1966.

8. Jason Richardson (1999-01)

J-Rich probably would have been much higher on this list if he would have stayed all four years instead of two. However, Richardson has been one of the most successful Spartans in the NBA averaging 17.5 points per game in 11 regular seasons. In four playoff appearances, Richardson has averaged 17.1 points per game. The 6’6″, 225 pound guard is one of the most freakishly, athletic players that has ever worn the green and white. He is widely known for his ability to dunk the ball, winning the NBA Slam Dunk contest in 2002 and 2003. Richardson was part of two Big Ten titles, one Big Ten Tournament crown, two Final Fours, and one National Championship. As a starter in his sophomore year, he averaged 14.7 points per game, which helped him make the All-Big Ten First Team that year as well as the Consensus All-American Second Team.

7. Shannon Brown (2003-06)

Another player who was extremely gifted with dunking the ball, Brown, left after three great seasons in a Spartan uniform. Along with his disgusting elevation, the 6’4″, 210 pound guard from Illinois was able to contribute, and start, from the beginning because of his ability to defend and shoot. Allied with the senior leadership of Alan Anderson, Chris Hill, and Kelvin Torbert that fueled the 2005 Final Four run, sophomore Shannon Brown was the key component in the victory over Kentucky in the Elite Eight scoring a game-high 24 points while shooting 5 of 6 from three-point range. During Brown’s junior year, and final season, as a Spartan, he averaged 17.2 points per game. Brown was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team in 2004, the All-Big Ten Second Team in 2006, and the Big Ten All-Defensive team in 2006. Watch one of Brown’s monstrous dunks during his Spartan career. Brown was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the 2006 NBA Draft. Brown also has two NBA Championship rings from when he came off the bench for the Los Angeles Lakers.

6. Maurice Ager (2002-06)

Mo Ager was one of the lankiest and most athletic Spartans to ever play at Michigan State. His 1,554 points rank 13th in school history just ahead of Mateen Cleaves. He was named to the Big Ten Second Team in both 2005 and 2006 and made the NCAA Tournament All-Regional Team in 2005. The 6-foot-5 Ager also led the team in scoring in 2005 with 464 points and in 2006 with 656 points. His unbelievable 36-point performance against Gonzaga in a triple-overtime loss in the quarterfinals of the 2005 Maui Invitational ranks 11th for most points in a single game in school history. My personal favorite moment of Ager’s Spartan career came in the 2005 Sweet Sixteen against Duke. Ager dunked on Duke’s J.J. Redick and the Spartans beat them in one of the craziest weekends ever in college basketball. Ager’s stellar career came to a sad ending when the 6-seeded Spartans lost to 11-seed George Mason in the first round of the 2006 NCAA Tournament. Ager was selected by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2006 NBA Draft.

5. Terry Furlow (1972-76)

The 6’4″ wing  holds the school record for most points per game in a single season, averaging 29.4 points as a senior year in 1976. In that same season, which was the last for Spartan head coach Gus Ganakas, the senior captain scored 50 points in a game against Iowa, which is the single-game record in the school’s program. Furlow also recorded games of 48, 42, 41, 40, and 38 points during his outstanding career. The Converse Yearbook named Furlow to the All-American Second Team. Furlow won the Big Ten scoring title in 1975 and 1976 and his 1,777 career points rank eighth in Spartan history.

4. Sam Vincent (1981-85)

The younger brother of Spartan great Jay Vincent, Sam Vincent was very fortunate to have Scott Skiles in the backcourt with him for his last three seasons in a green and white uniform. Sam Vincent and Skiles put up outstanding offensive numbers together, with Vincent averaging 16.8 points per game in his career. The 6’2″ guard won the Big Ten scoring title his senior year while averaging 23.7 points in the conference season, and joined his brother, Jay, as the only Spartan brothers to earn All-America accolades. Vincent was named First Team All-America by the Sporting News in 1985. He finished with 1,851 points which places seventh all-time in Spartan history.

3. Mike Robinson (1971-74)

The 5’11″ guard won back-to-back Big Ten scoring titles in 1972 and 1973 and averaged 24.2 points per game as a Spartan. In 1974, Robinson was named Second Team All-America by the Converse Yearbook. Robinson’s career high of 40 points came against Northwestern in his junior season. His 1,717 career points rank 10th in Spartan history. Who knows how many points he could have had if freshmen were eligible to play before 1972? That goes for Stan Washington and Ralph Simpson too!

2. Morris Peterson (1995-00)

One of the four original “Flintstones” that included Antonio Smith, Mateen Cleaves, and Charlie Bell, Mo Pete was the most prolific scorer of the bunch. The stars from Flint represent what Spartan basketball is all about: toughness, defense, and rebounding. However, Mo Pete’s career at Michigan State got off to a very slow start, as he lived in Tom Izzo’s “doghouse.” He only wanted to shoot and didn’t have a care in the world on the defensive end. Then, in his sophomore season, Mo Pete broke his wrist after hitting iron on a slam dunk. When he returned, Peterson was forced to wear a cast, called “The Club,” which is credited with helping him becoming a better defensive player. In 1999, Mo Pete was named first-team All-Big Ten, despite only starting one conference game. In the 2000 National Championship season, The 6’4″, 215 pound Sporting News First Team All-American was named Big Ten Player of the Year and was also a National Player of the Year candidate. He was the Midwest Regional MVP in 2000, averaging 16 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.  Along with 10 career double-doubles, Mo Pete stands at 12th place on MSU’s all-time scoring list with 1,588 points. One of Peterson’s most memorable moments in a green and white uniform was in the 2000 Elite Eight game versus Iowa State at the Palace of Auburn Hills. With 2:15 remaining in the game, the Spartans were beating the Cyclones by one, 62-61. During a timeout, Peterson, who was being overplayed all night, told Coach Izzo to run the backdoor play. Coach Izzo put his trust in the senior and the alley-oop dunk put a dagger in Iowa State and sent the Spartans to their second straight Final Four.

1. Shawn Respert (1990-95)

Known for his textbook jump shot, Respert was the “fire” to Eric Snow’s “ice” in the early to mid-90′s at MSU. The 6’1″, 195 pound Respert was not a highly-recruited player because coaches didn’t think he could make the transition from forward to guard. Dwayne Stephens, a former teammate of Respert and now assistant coach under Tom Izzo, said in the movie, The Greatest Stories of Michigan State Basketball, that Respert was the hardest worker that he ever played with. “He would come in early, take a million shots, stay after practice,” Stephens said. “There were practices where he would go the entire practice without missing a shot.” Respert was a UPI Third Team All-American in 1994 while averaging 24.3 points per game. His career high came against Minnesota in 1994 when Respert scored 43 points in the Spartan’s victory. In 1995, Respert was a Consensus First Team All-American, the Big Ten Player of the Year, and won the Big Ten scoring crown while averaging 25.6 points that season. His 2,531 points rank #1 all-time at MSU along with the 331 three-pointers that he splashed through the net in his career. Though the Spartans didn’t win any championships during Respert’s career, his game-changing ability makes him MSU’s all-time #1 wing player. Watch Respert absolutely tear apart the Wolverines in Ann Arbor in 1995. Respert’s number, along with Peterson’s, hangs proudly from the rafters in the Breslin Center.

LeVert’s nickname is “Baby Durant” and was bestowed upon him for his explosive scoring ability. He had been committed to play for Ohio University, but was let out of his letter of intent when John Groce accepted the Illinois job. So in a bit of a redemptive move Michigan is able to pluck LeVert from the team that knocked them out of the NCAA Tournament this March. They can finish the redemption theme by sweeping Groce’s Illini this season.

LeVert joins Glenn “Tre” Robinson III, Mitch McGary, Nik Stauskus and Michael “Spike” Albrecht as part of John Beilein’s incoming freshmen class.

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10. Marcus Taylor

This one may be a little eyebrow-raising, but Marcus Taylor could play (even though he didn’t do that much in a Spartans uniform)! The point guard from Lansing, Mich. put together some terrific numbers in his second of only two seasons at  Michigan State University. Taylor averaged 16.8 ppg, 5.3 apg, and 2.9 rpg during his sophomore campaign in East Lansing. He was the second player in Big Ten history to lead the Big Ten in both scoring and assists, and the first in MSU history. He won a gold medal as apart of the FIBA Under-21 World Championship team, and he was drafted by the Timberwolves in the second-round of the NBA Draft after leaving MSU early.

9. Travis Walton

Walton was one of the greatest leaders and defenders in the history of MSU basketball. Walton is only one of three three-year captains in Michigan State history, and in his senior season, he was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, the third Spartan to ever win the award. Walton has played in more games than anyone in MSU history with 143 games played, and ranks fourth in MSU history with 167 steals. In the 2008-2009 season Walton won the MSU Inspirational Player Award, and earned a spot on the Big Ten All-Defensive Team for the third straight season. He ranks sixth in career assists in MSU with 555.

8. Eric Snow

Better known for his career in the NBA alongside Allen Iverson, Eric Snow was also apart of the “fire and ice” back-court along with Shawn Respert during his time at MSU. Snow is currently third on the all-time assist list in MSU history with 599, and led the Big Ten in assists in both his junior and senior seasons. In 1995, Snow won the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award. Unfortunately, for Snow his last game as a Spartan came in the 1995 NCAA Tournament when the #3 Spartans were upset in the first-round by Weber State.

7. Kalin Lucas

The latest of Michigan State great point guards, Lucas put together one hell of a career during his four-years at MSU. He is currently fifth in career scoring with 1,996 points and career games started with 119. Lucas is sixth in career assists with 558, and eighth in 3-point field-goals made with 149. Only eight players in MSU history made more shots than Lucas, as he is ninth in career field-goals made with 670. He is just one of just four Spartans to total 1,500 career points and 500 career assists, and is the all-time leader in free-throws made and attempted. During his junior season he was named to the First-Team All-Big Ten Team, and during his senior season, Lucas started every game for the Spartans.

6. Drew Neitzel

Before there was the Spartan legend that is Kalin Lucas there was this bad man above, Drew Neitzel. The former Mr.Basketball in Michigan left MSU as the all-time leader in career free-throw percentage shooting 86 percent, and he ranks fourth all-time in career assists with 582, which is also the tenth most in Big Ten history. Neitzel is third all-time with career 3′s made with 273, and one of just three players in Michigan State history, and 12 players in Big Ten history, with 1,500 points and 500 assists. In his junior and senior season Neitzel was awarded a spot on the All-Big Ten Fist-Team, which makes him the first Spartan to do that since 2000.

5. Mark Montgomery

The former Spartan assistant coach, and current Northern Illinois head coach, was one of the better defensive players and “pure” point guards in MSU history. Montgomery is third in steals with 168 in MSU history, and fifth in assists with 561. In 1990 the point guard led the Spartans to a Big Ten title.

4. Scott Skiles

Before his time in the NBA, Skiles was one of not only the best point guards in MSU history, but best players as well. Skiles put together an amazing career at MSU averaging 18.2 ppg and 5.5 apg in his four years. During the 1985-1986 season, his senior year, Skiles averaged a ridiculous 27.4 ppg. He is currently third in scoring in MSU history with 2,145 points, and second in both assists and steals with 645 and 175.

3. Mateen Cleaves

Outside of Magic Johnson, there has not been a player more worshiped on the hardwood than this man right here. The leader of  the “Flintstones,” Cleaves had one of the best careers in college basketball history. Cleaves led the Spartans to their second National Championship in 2000, and was the only three time All-American in the history of the program. Cleaves is MSU’s and Big Ten’s all-time leader in assists with 816, and MSU’s all-time leader in steals with 195. The year the Spartans won the title, Cleaves received numerous accolades such as: Final Four Most Outstanding Player, Wooden All-American, Sporting News All-American, Associated Press second-team All-American, NABC third-team All-American, First-Team All-Big Ten, All-Big Ten Tournament Team, and All-Midwest Regional Team. Cleaves leadership and determination has not yet been matched even 12 years later.

2. Steve Smith

When Smitty was one the floor there was no point in playing defense because every shot that this man put up was going to hit the bottom of the net. While I could have put Steve Smith in the shooting guards list, I felt that he was better suited, for this conversation, as a point guard. Smith is the second all-time leading scorer in MSU history with2,263 career points, which was first all-time when he left East Lansing. Smith won the Big Ten scoring champion in 1991, and won the Big Ten MVP in 1990. Smitty was a two-time All-American in 1990 and 1991, and Smith is currently sixth on the MSU rebounding list with 740 rebounds.

1. Magic Johnson

If you honestly had no idea who would be #1 on this list before you even read it then you need help… immediately. Magic Johnson is not only the best player in MSU history, or college history, or NBA history, but he is arguably one of the best ever. Magic led the Spartans to their first title in 1979, and… well I could hit you with a bunch of stats like the nine inferiors above Magic, but instead of reading about Magic’s game, I’ll let you watch for yourself… HERE

That’s cool because nobody wants to see this again, at least not Calipari

While extremely disappointing, this news should come as no surprise because it fits John Calipari’s modus operandi – get out while the getting is good – very neatly. Just ask UMass and Memphis.

Calipari preferred the Indiana series be played on a neutral court. In a report on espn, Indiana Coach Tom Crean said, “The bottom line is that they didn’t want to play home-and-home and we did. We looked at it hard but it belongs on campus.”

In the same report Calipari bullishly proclaimed, “We were willing to play them both in the state of Indiana and they said no to that. That means they don’t want to play us.” In the state of Indiana means Lucas Oil Stadium which is a much safer haven for the Wildcats than Assembly Hall. Meanwhile the Hoosiers were willing to continue the series as a home-and-home which is the way it should be.

So a annual match up that has thrilled College Basketball fans since 1969 and was promising to be a real heavyweight bout in the coming years is over. A sad testament to John Calipari’s it’s all about me mantra. The only stain on his dream season that was capped in April with his first national championship was a lost at Indiana. Play that game on a neutral court, where Kentucky is likely to travel better and it is less of a threat to the Wildcats.

As if it wasn’t bad enough that Kentucky plays in a watered down SEC that offers little in the way of resistance, they have now dumped their two toughest non-conference match ups. Calipari is flexing his muscle and imposing his will to the betterment of his tenure at Kentucky and the detriment of College Basketball.

You can follow me on Twitter @isportsRob

POSTPONED the decision for a while. twitter.com/troywilliams_/…

— Troy Williams  (@troywilliams_) May 1, 2012

The one thing that should make Carolina fans not too happy is that the indications were the young man was headed to Chapel Hill. Him waiting makes it feel like he is reconsidering that thought process, and knowing how coach Calipari can get the “one and dones” to come to Kentucky, that has to be a scary thought for both the coaching staff and the fan base. Hopefully this wait will not drag on for a long time, since for major programs such as UNC and UK landing the big guns is the only way to then move on to round out the class. If I had to guess I would say that no more than a week to 10 days will pass before Troy Williams finally announces where he will go to college. Until then, as usual, any update will be on this site.

I will be sure to update this as soon as Williams makes his decision official. Until then let the mayhem of people saying they know or know someone that knows begin, I will wait until Troy Williams let’s us all know his decision.

This time around, once the fans heard that James McAdoo was coming back, there was a sigh of relief, but not much more. Which might just be a good thing for this upcoming season. Last year the team had all the talent it needed to win it all, but it had all the pressure of a team that had to win it all, making it harder and harder to compete each game as you do not just play against the opposing team but against expectations as well. For one like myself, who has followed this team for a long time last season, win or lose, the fan base always had something to pick on, be it with the whole team or with an individual. Once again, not making any excuses for the players, but at the end of the line these are college kids and the expectations that the fans put on them was maybe just a tad too much. The squad that will don the carolina blue next season will do so with a lot less pressure on them, meaning that they might just play with less stress, a formula that might just make the team good.

It won’t be the same type of team as we are used to, with only James McAdoo as the experienced inside man, this squad will probably have a much more perimeter minded type of game plan than any other that has played in Chapel Hill in the last decade. But one thing that it will have in common with all the other teams that coach Williams puts on the court will be its quickness. The Heels are going to be long on the perimeter as well as agile, which can result in turnovers and those can produce easy points. The Heels might not dominate inside, but they might just be the team with the best defense that has played in Chapel Hill in quite sometimes with the likes of Dexter Strickland and Reggie Bullock on the court at the same time. While this season it was the combo of Zeller and Henson that wore out the opposition in the paint, next year it might be the array of guards that wear out the teams they face.

With no major expectations, with still plenty of talent, this is going to be one of seasons that will feel strange in someways. But in the end this is North Carolina and winning is something that the program, the team and the fan bases expects, so it’s going to be interesting to watch the future unfold for this squad who is not favorite by any way too early poll to be the best team in the conference.

Team

The University of Kentucky Wildcats ended the 2011-2012 season with a 38-2 overall and 16-0 record in the Southeastern Conference. Coming off a Final Four appearance a year ago, and bringing in 4 of the top 20 recruits in the nation according to ESPN top #100. Returning Terrance Jones and Doron Lamb, two top recruits from the previous year and an unselfish senior in Darius Miller. Winning a Championship was the only thing on the mind of the BBN.  Amidst all the pressure and expectations a Championship is exactly what Coach Cal and the Wildcats delivered.

The most amazing part about this team of freshman and sophomores was the way they played together as a team. The image of the one and done player usually is one of selfishness. They don’t have the ability to think about team goals because the best thing for them to do is, play for a team that will allow them a chance to shine. Score over 20 PPG and lead team to the tournament. Not this team. This team played as if they had been playing together for 4 years and was finally ready to put it all together.  The mental mistakes that usually go with a team like this were slowly nonexistent as Coach Cal always had his team in the best position to win. All we can say to Coach Cal is “Thank you and Congratulations” and to commend him on his courage to take the team and run it his own way. Coach Cal took some of the best players in the world to sacrifice individual accolades for the common team goal.

Season Recap

This is the time of year where everyone is reviewing what went wrong. What shot could have fallen? What player injury kept them reaching their goal? The University of Kentucky and BBN can sit back and review the season with joy and a collected sigh of relief. Its one thing to have 3 consecutive #1recruiting classes, but another to bring one of those teams together and win it all.

Below are a few words, on the impact and growth of each contributing member to the CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!

 Coach Cal 

When Coach John Calipari left The University of Memphis for The University of Kentucky, the only thing the Big Blue Nation could imagine was winning it all. Yes Coach Cal had not won anything in his previous coaching stints but Coach Cal did take a UMASS team to the finals that eventually lost to Kentucky. He also had taken Memphis to the finals; and was only a few free throws from winning it all. Though both records of UMASS and Memphis have been vacated the fact of the matter is that he has already shown the coaching ability to get to the finals. All Coach Cal needed was the 7 Championship Banners hanging in the rafters at Rupp Arena, fan support that only the Big Blue Nation can provide and surely Coach Cal would get that elusive Championship at Kentucky. To quote the Rally’s Burgers commercial from my youth “CH-CHING!!!!!!

Anthony Davis

14.2 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 1.4 STL, 4.7 BLK, 62% FG, 71% FT

A once in a lifetime type of player; every kid who has ever played the game of basketball dreamed of waking up one day and being 7 feet tall and for Davis this is true. Not only did he grow to be 7 feet tall, he accomplished these goals along the way.

• 2012 NCAA Consensus First team All-American (unanimous)
• 2011–12 NCAA Division I men’s basketball season blocks leader, SEC single-season blocked shots and NCAA Division I freshman blocked shots records.
• The National Freshman, Defensive Player and Big Man awards.
• 2012 National Player of the Year by various organizations, earning the Oscar Robertson Trophy, the Adolph Rupp Trophy, the Associated Press Player of the Year, Naismith Award, Sporting News Player of the Year and John R. Wooden Award.
• SEC’s player, freshman and defensive player of the year.
• NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player when Kentucky won the 2012 NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament.

And it could not have happened to a better person.  Calipari made a team of unselfish players and the kid was so outstanding in his role, he was still able to receive all the personal accolades.  Did Anthony Davis carry his team the entire season? No way. Terrance carried us for an entire half’s at times. Doron and Darius hit the big shots down the stretch. MKD was the heart of the team. Anthony Davis was the entire team’s backup; he covered his teammates when a mistake was made. He passed you the ball when you were open; he hit you on the outlet. Most importantly if a teammate was beaten on a play he blocked the shot. He was the consummate team player who developed all year long into a very confident player.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

11.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 49% FG, 75% FT, 26% 3pt

To have a 17 year old come into college basketball and have the type of leadership skills that Michael Kidd Gilchrist possess are very rare. His intensity and passion are unmatched, and something that his teammates were really able to rally behind. Want some evidence that proves it?  How about 7.4 RPG as a SF shows the ability to go down low and bang with the big boys. Ranking #1 amongst NCAA prospects in transition scoring efficiency making 71% of his attempts.  He rebounds, attacks and has no problem sticking his nose in the mix. To be a freshman and have the kind of heart is unreal. He has the heart of a Champion and that is something very few players have. I am writing an article that goes into detail the future that I see for MKG…Keep your eyes open for it.

Darius Miller

The Senior

9.9 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.8 SPG 47% FG, 80% FT, 38% 3pt

Darius epitomized what it meant to be a Senior on a team filled with Freshman and Sophomore’s. Darius did all this without complaining or feeling down on self. He was coming off a summer playing with Team USA for the second time and confidence was extremely high. Darius stepped up the biggest on the court, when other teams looked as if they were starting to stage a comeback. Darius would hit a shot, grab a rebound, or make a steal, something that would turn the tide back to Kentucky’s way. He played like a leader, and showed that not only was he one of Kentucky’s better players, But he was one of the better players in the country.

Doron Lamb

13.7 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.5 APG, 47% FG, 83%, 47% 3pt

Has anyone ever seen the kid from Queens, NY ever get rattled? He does what he supposed to do when he is supposed to do it. Doron shooting ability was always evident. Making the decisions to come back really improved his game. He improved his ball handling and decision making, allowing him to fill in at PG and keep the offense moving. He ran off screens reminiscent of Rip Hamilton or Ray Allen. Just like Darius, Doron was always there at the right time with a jump shot, rebound, or steal that would settle the spirits of BBN. I believe he is the most underrated player on the Wildcats as far as NBA prospects go. But that’s another story

Terrance Jones

12.3 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.8 BPG 50% FG, 63% FT, 33% 3pt

Of all the players on Kentucky, Terrance Jones had to be the X factor. We hard all year long, as Terrance Jones go, so does the Kentucky Wildcats. Yes Terrance had his Terrance moments, but after Ashley Judd sent him a text message to pick up his spirits he did just that. He became like Anthony Davis in a sense that he was able to change the game without scoring instead of getting down on himself like he had done in the past. There were moments when Terrance put Kentucky on his back and carried us for a half. Terrance stuck around to get better and to win, he did both. He was a stat stuffer, filling in every bracket, while showing leadership and maturity, something he had lacked the year before. With a performance like that in March madness, he may have worked his way into the top #10 for the NBA draft.

Marquis Teague

10.0 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 4.8 APG, 2.7 TPG, 412 FG%, 71% FT, 33% 3pt

Marguis was a turnover machine when the season began. He was not the John Wall or even Brandon Knight, a player that could create his own offense when things broke down. Yes he still committed turnovers late in the season, but he learned how to run a team.  The scoring guard mentality would not work with this team. Teague was surrounded with studs at every position. The Indiana game seemed to give him a little confidence, and slowly as the season started to turn to March. Teague started playing better, not turning the ball over, and attacking when the play broke down. He became a leader of the offense, communicating much better. Marguis development throughout the season was phenomenal; it was a true attribute to the coaching that Coach Cal puts in. Give Rod Strickland assistant coach some credit there too.

Kyle Wiltjer

5.0 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 44% FG, 82% FT, 43% 3pt

It takes a lot of heart to do what Kyle Wiltjer did. Kyle officially committed to Kentucky without even taking a visit to the campus. Kyle does not bring much to Coach Cal’s Dribble Drive offense. He is not athletic; he has a tough time penetrating with the ball. He is not physical enough to play inside and does not rebound well and he can’t guard anyone without help defense.  The two things that he does provide are being able to hit a jump shot, and having a high basketball IQ. Normally Kyle is in the right place in the right time, and gained confidence with his game as the season wears on. With experience from this years Championship team and an off season to get better I expect Kyle to be one of the most improved players in the college game.

Listening to the 6’10″ center, that will replace Anthony Davis for the Wildcats, there was something that he said that had to make you think if you are a fan of the Orange. And think a lot. Noel talked that part of the decision was seeing coach Calipari’s squad in the Final Four, meaning that he watched the player that he would replace winning it all. Well, that has to be a tough pill to swallow for the SU coaching staff, who could have easily been in New Orleans had Fab Melo been eligible to play and then Noel might have watched coach Boeheim’s team and the center he was replacing in the Salt City next season.

Now, I doubt that watching Kentucky winning it all might have been the biggest piece of the puzzle that brought the number one player to Calipari’s program, but without a doubt it had part in it. How much we will never truly know, but what we do know is that right now the Orange head into the new season with just nine players on scholarships. Due to seniors graduating or early entrance into the NBA the team will lose their four of their six players points wise, including the top two. In all that is 42.7 out of 74.1 points per game that next season will not be on the floor for SU. With seniors Kris Joseph and Scoop Jardine plus sophomore Fab Melo leaving the team will also be without three fifth of their starting line up, adding that Dion Waiters is gone as well the squad will be missing the conference sixth man of the year.

While the team is going to be a good squad, the fact that losing out on Noel and with what is leaving this is not going to be the team that it was this season, and that too is going to be a tough pill to swallow for both the team and its fan base. In the next few weeks I will go over each of the players that are going to be playing in Syracuse next year and what my expectations for each would be if I was the man at the helm.

The NBA and the Players Association set an age-limit rule. In 2006, the age limit for entering the Draft increased from 18 to 19 years of age. U.S. players must be at least one year removed from high school and 19 years of age (by the end of that calendar year) before entering the draft. An international player must turn 19 during the calendar year of the draft. John Calipari did not make the rule, but what he has done is make Lemon Meringue Pie, with a glass of lemonade to wash it down with. Yet somehow some have managed to find ridicule in his Championship and what he has done in his tenure while at The University of Kentucky.

In the two years previous to winning the Championship he has sent ten players to the NBA, with only two of them going in the second round. Yes the John Walls, and Demarcus Cousins of the world would have gone anyway but Daniel Orton being a first round pick and did not even play. Taking a Josh Harrelson, an out of shape bench player, and turning him into a starter and NBA player.  Developing a Darius Miller through three recruiting classes.

All the point guards that he has coached were more scoring guards with exceptional athletic skills and he molded them into team leaders. Marguis Teague, while not as explosive athletically but was still responsible for a huge scoring load in High School. The transition that he made was as good as anyone Coach Cal has coached in a one year period.  The evidence is in the Championships

According to Wikipideia in 2009-2010 his first year on the job at Kentucky.  Coach Calipari spear-headed an effort to raise money for victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, yielding $1.5 million and a congratulatory call from President Barack Obama. The celebrity fans like Ashley Judd, (although she was always there), to Jay-Z, to Drake. Big Blue Nation has morphed into a Bigger Bluer World.

So I guess we can turn out nose up and say that he is just some guy that knows how to recruit. He couldn’t even recruit Jodie Meeks to stay in 209-2010. Had he done that, the three points shooting the team lacked would have been there with him and maybe he would be raising his second championship.

ITS OFFICIAL

Nerlens Noel has decided that he will play college basketball at the University of Kentucky. He made the decision to attend Kentucky over Syracuse and Georgetown University.  Nerlens made the decision by revealing the UK Logo cut in his now famous high top fade, on ESPNU “Special Signing Day”.  It was not all smiles for the Kentucky Wildcats. Shabazz Muhammad was the #2 recruit behind Nerlens and he too was making his decison on ESPNU. Shabazz chose the UCLA Bruins. Being a west coast kid I dont think  to many people were surprised.

Nerlens was once classified in the 2013 class but after Noel transferred from Everett High School to the Tilton School in New Hampshire, he reclassified into the 2012 class graduating in spring.

Nerlens has been compared to Player of the Year and Kentucky freshman Anthony Davis. While his defensive skills are supposed to be better than Davis’s, which is a scary thought. He is behind offensively. The positive thing about that is Nerlens was able to see Anthony Davis be a non-factor offensively and still named MOP of the Championship game. Seeing that performance, along with Coach Cal’s recruiting did the trick.

 ”Coach Cal recruited me real hard. He is a good person who cares about his players, he helps them reach their goals and the team’s goals,” Noel said. “They play as a unit and are very unselfish. Also the fans were incredible on my visit. They are behind the program 100 percent.”

The decision has placed the Wildcats in a familiar position in the recruiting ranks. And that would be #1, with Archie Goodwin, Alex Polythress, and Willie Cauley, rounding out the class. Anthony Bennet and Amile Jefferson are still undecided so things could still improve for the Wildcats going forward in this recruiting battle.

The stage is set for Coach Cal to pull out another miracle. Lets see who sticks around for another run.

Nix approached the podium and immediately had this to say, “It’s embarrassing to even have this press conference because I let a lot of people down.”

After this initial statement, tears rolled down the face of the Michigan State player as he acknowledged how fortunate he is to finish his basketball career at Michigan State.

Izzo and Nix press conference.

Aside from these prior statements, which is what was expected from Nix, he said something that he didn’t have to say, yet, it was clearly the best thing that he could have said.

“I just want to say sorry to little Steven Izzo,” Nix Said. “That’s somebody who looks up to me, and is a big part of my life.”

That is a grown man statement.

It takes a lot of realization for someone in Nix’s position to understand the effect that he has on younger children, as a peer and a role model.

Steven is the son of Tom Izzo, who apparently is someone that has a good relationship with Nix.

After Nix made this statement I immediately realized that my initial reaction of the situation, which can be found here, may have been a little harsh.

Everyone makes mistakes, and the possession of marijuana is something that is of the norm on college campuses across the country. Unfortunately, athletes get scrutinized way worse than the average student. I’m not saying whether it is right or wrong to have marijuana, but this situation is bigger than just the marijuana, it’s about setting examples.

Izzo stated that Nix is going to be more involved with the youth, which I feel could really help him mature even more.

“He’s going to be involved with kids,” Izzo said. “I had to go home and explain something to a 12-year-old that I really have no interest in explaining.”

It seems as if Nix has finally realized that he is not a little kid anymore, but he is man, a man that a lot of people watching him due to the platform that he is on.

Current and former members of the MSU basketball program.

Not only does everyone make mistakes, but everyone should get a chance to learn from their mistakes, and now, Nix deserves that chance.

What really shows a man’s character is not by the mistakes he makes, but how he learns from those mistakes, and this incident was a wake-up call.

On a side note, this statement by Nix really is just another example of how close-knit this program is. How many players in Nix’s position would apologize to a 12-year-old boy that he has no “family” relations to?

Not only should we applaud Nix for making a statement like this, but we should applaud Izzo for creating a program that understands that life is more than just basketball, and that we all have consequences, whether direct or indirect, for the things that we do.

Nix now understands how blessed he is to be a part of a premier college program, have a free education, and be a role model for children across the globe, and we will see an improved Derrick Nix on the floor next year, as both a player and a leader.

So, where do we go from here?

What will Izzo do with Derrick Nix?

Derrick Nix was looking to be one of the team leaders next year, as he will be the lone senior on the MSU squad. That is, if he is still on the team.

Personally, I don’t believe that Derrick Nix will be on the team, nor does he deserve to be on the team.

Not only did Nix put himself and others in danger by driving under the influence, but he made his coaches and MSU look bad.

There are territories that come with being a college athlete, and the usage of marijuana is one that should not be crossed.

College basketball players, especially at top-tier universities, are treated like royalty. They get a free education, they get to travel across the country, and to be honest, they get breaks in the classroom, whether or not we like to acknowledge it.

All he has to do is follow the law, play hard, and go to class, maybe, and he will walk out of here with either a degree and/or millions of dollars playing professionally. Yet, athletes have a hard time abiding by these rules.

Derrick Nix mugshot after being arrested on April 3rd

After filing a Freedom of Information Act request, isportsweb.com was able to get the full scoop on what happened that night that may have changed Derrick Nix’s life from here on out.

According to the report released by the police, the Michigan State junior was initially pulled over for running a red light on Lake Lansing Road heading north onto Abbot.

The report stated that the officer smelled the odor of intoxicants from the 2011 red four-door Dodge Charger that Nix was driving, and that the MSU basketball player had bloodshot eyes.

Nix told the officer that he smoked a joint at 10 p.m. on April 2nd.

Nix agreed to submit a blood test, and the officer escorted him to Sparrow Hospital where he tested positive for marijuana.

The reports said that Nix told the officer that he had another joint placed in the visor of the vehicle. The joint was found to contain 0.6 grams of marijuana.

Derrick Nix is indefinitely suspended from the Michigan State University basketball team, which is a huge blow for the Spartans, as Nix looked promising this season averaging 8.1 points and 2.8 rebounds.

Nix was already in jeopardy of being kicked off the team two seasons ago, as him and Izzo didn’t see eye to eye, and Nix was told to stay home when the team traveled to Hawaii for the Maui Invitational.

The use of illegal substances is something that has hurt the Spartans in the past, as former guard and current Iowa State Cyclone Korie Lucious was arrested in 2010 for drunken driving before his 21st birthday.

Eventually, Lucious was dismissed for reasons that are still not clear, but it’s been rumored that it had something to do with alcohol or marijuana.

I think Nix has left no choice for Tom Izzo to have to dismiss him as well, due to the fact that he was already threatened of being off the team once, and now that he has broken a law, I don’t think that we will see Derrick Nix wearing a Michigan State University uniform ever again.

Michigan State was successful last season because of chemistry within the team, and the lack of distractions, and Nix being on this squad next year could possibly affect both of these factors.

It will be interesting to see what Tom Izzo and his staff decide to do with Nix because his loss could really hurt the team, but then again, you have to do what’s right.

Zeller, who was on with Doug Gottlieb and Scott Van Pelt plus did an online chat but in my opinion had his best moment when on ESPN2′s SportsNation. There the seven footer talked very frankly about Larry Drew II’s departure from North Carolina and said that the team joked and called LD II the “black cloud”. It was great how he said it without sounding mean about it, but very sincere at the same time.

Like it or not when blogging about these young men, who are all going to be playing at the next level in the upcoming season, it’s hard to watch them move on. But on the other hand, it’s great to see someone like Zeller rappresent Carolina so well, as I am sure so will Marshall, Henson and Barnes. It’s also great for them to make it to the next level, where I am pretty sure all will do well. As I said once before on this site, as well as many times on twitter and FaceBook, to all of them congratulations and good luck in the NBA.

UPDATE: Noel announced he will play at Kentucky next year

While the rest of the college basketball world waits for their recruits to come on to campus next fall for the Syracuse Basketball program they are still in the recruiting frenzy and it’s a “wait and see” until tomorrow night when the top recruit in the country for 2012, Nerlens Noel, will make his decision between SU, UK or G’Town live on ESPNU at about 7:30 p.m. EST. For the 6’10″/215 lbs center who re-classified from `13 to `12, and is the number one prospect of its class, this is a big couple of days, with today being his birthday and tomorrow telling the schools and their fans where he will end up. The young man has a blog on ESPN.com and I have to say several things caught my eye and made me think that Noel is going to be special not just on the court.

11 mins till my BIRTHDAY crazy excitedd !!!

— Nerlens Noel (@NerlensNoel3) April 10, 2012

Anyone who knows me knows my mom, Dorcina, has to sign off on any decision and that she will play a major part in any decision. So tonight is when I’ll talk to her about it all.

In a world that is full of handlers (or grabber ons) it is refreshing to see someone working closely with his mom/family on this process and having her being part of the decision. I compliment Noel for that! I hope that more and more of the future players think this way and do not let the so-called handlers make decisions for them based on friendships or shoe companies.

Any “recruiting guy” who says he has some news from a “source” is funny, too, because the source would have to be me or my mom and they’re not talking to her and I don’t talk to anyone. Like I always say, only believe what you read here.

This is also great to read from a player like this one. Finally someone who tells all that will listens that the sources are usually a lot of smoke and nothing more. I remember when I was that age and I would change my mind on something a lot less important than where to go to college, so I am sure that the top player in the class will probably be thinking it over and over and over again where he wants to go, and that means changing his mind, once, if not more. The reality could easily be that Noel has picked each of the schools over and over and then changed his mind, because he found something else to ponder over.

In the end this would be a great pick up for the Syracuse program, especially as it would take away a great talent from either a Big East foe in Georgetown or from one of the top programs in the nation in Kentucky. It would also put head coach Jim Boeheim’s squad right back in the talk of one of the teams that might win it all next season. For a program like SU, that is heading on out to the ACC, bringing in top recruits like this is definitely a nice way to enter the new conference. On the other hand, thanks to the great recruiting that coach Boeheim and his staff have done whether or not the young man comes to the Salt City isn’t going to change the fact that the Orange will be a top team when next year comes.

By tomorrow night at this time I will have a post telling where the top recruit for 2012 is going, gut feeling is that he ends up with the Hoyas, but just like the young man says there is no sources, so just like everyone else, I will be waiting for the announcement tomorrow night.

Trey Burke

While most ‘experts’ had Burke leaving, he remains True Blue.

Burke will lead a rotation that includes juniors Tim Hardaway, Jr. and Jordan Morgan, as well as returning players such as Jon Horford, Matt Vogrich, and Blake McLimans. Incoming players Glenn Robinson III, Nik Stauskas, and Mitch McGary will add talented depth to an improving Michigan team.

Burke will have a true backup point guard this year as well thanks to the recent commitment from Spike Albrecht.

Burke led Michigan as a freshman with 14.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, and 4.6 apg.

The Wolverines finished the regular season 24-9, their best mark in the John Beilein era. A first round upset by 13-seed Ohio left a sour taste throughout Wolverine Nation that Burke is back to erase.

You can follow Rob and I on Twitter @isportsJoe and @isportsRob

The official press release follows.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – University of Michigan men’s basketball freshman guard Trey Burke (Columbus, Ohio/Northland HS) announced today (Monday, April 9) that he will continue his collegiate playing career with the Wolverine basketball program.

“Over the past few weeks, I have spent a lot of time thinking and praying about my future — not just about next year but many years down the road,” said Burke. “After gathering information, I am excited to be continuing my education at Michigan as we look to accomplish even more in our 2012-13 season.

“I have so much more to develop as both a student and athlete, and there is no better place to do that than here at Michigan. I love my Michigan family and am really excited about playing with my teammates and our incoming freshmen. I want to thank my parents, my teammates and my coaches for the patience and guidance they gave me since this process began a few weeks ago.”

“We tried to provide Trey and his family with the best information possible and as much time as possible to make an informed decision,” said U-M head coach John Beilein. “We wanted him to think this through carefully so he was 100 percent certain of what he wanted to do moving forward.

“We loved coaching Trey this season. It is very unusual to have a freshman point guard play with such poise and confidence all year long. He is a clutch performer with a great work ethic and a brilliant future in front of him. As our team leadership changes hands, I know Trey will join the other returning players as we strive to be the leaders and best in all we do.”

Recently named U-M’s first Associated Press All-America honorable mention since 1998, Burke averaged 14.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists in his first season. He helped the Wolverines to a 24-10 record, a share of the Big Ten regular season title and a second straight trip to the NCAA Tournament. His 156 assists broke U-M’s 27-year-old record for freshman assists in a single season, previously held by U-M legend Gary Grant (140, 1984-85).

Burke was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year by the media, All-Big Ten second team from coaches and media and a unanimous selection to the conference all-freshman team. Throughout the season, Burke was named the Big Ten Player of the Week once and the Big Ten Freshman of the Week seven times.

He has also garnered a spot on the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-District VII second team and U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) All-District V Team.

You can follow Rob and I on Twitter @isportsJoe and @isportsRob

Donnal was named to the All-Ohio Third Team by the Associated Press. ESPNU ranks Donnal as the 25th best power forward in the 2012 class. Donnal’s AAU coach is Dan Dakich and he declared on Twitter that Michigan “got a great one” when Donnal committed.

Here is a recent Mark Donnal highlight video

Donnal is part of a very strong 2013 recruiting class for John Beilein and the Wolverines. He is joined by fellow commits Zak Irvin, Derrick Walton and Austin Hatch (who will likely reclassify to 2014).

You can follow me on Twitter @isportsRob

Spike Albrecht

Michigan received a visit from 2012 point guard Michael “Spike” Albrecht this week and he pledged to become the 4th member of the Wolverine’s highly touted class. Albrecht originally hails from Crown Point Indiana, but played this past season at Mount Hermon prep school in Massachusetts. While there he broke the school’s single season assist record by dishing out 241 dimes.

Regardess of what Trey Burke decides, the Wolverines were in dire need of adding another point guard to the roster. Albrecht is a true floor general, who handles the rock as if it were on a string. He can get in the lane to create a shot for himself or to set up a teammate. He played AAU ball with fellow Michigan commits Glenn Robinson III and Mitch McGary for SYF. Here are some highlights from Albrecht’s season at Mount Hermon.

ESPNU recently released their final rankings for the class of 2012. Glenn “Tre” Robinson landed at #18 overall on the list and was anointed with 5-star status. Mitch McGary landed at #27 on the list and Nik Stauskus checks in at #76.

Meanwhile, Trey Burke is expected to decide by April 10th whether or not he will return to Michigan for his sophomore season or declare himself eligible for the NBA Draft. His return would cement the Wolverines as a preseason Top 5 team. It would also allow Albrecht to be mentored by an All-American point guard.

Stay connected with our coverage of Michigan Basketball by following Joe and I on Twitter; @isportsRob and @isportsJoe

The fact that Tony Mitchell will not return next season comes as no real surprise after he was suspended in February, and then later in the month it was revealed that his suspension would remain for the rest of the season. There was obviously some hope that Mitchell would return to the Crimson Tide program for what would be his senior season, but I think a lot of fans, myself included, expected Mitchell’s time in Tuscaloosa to have come to an end.

Tony Mitchell along with Charles Hankerson Jr. were granted releases from their scholarships.

However, the announcement that Charles Hankerson Jr., who would have been coming into his junior season at the Capstone in 2012-13. Hankerson Jr.’s decision almost certainly hinges on getting more playing time at another school. Hankerson played only 11 minutes per game last season, averaging 3.6 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game while shooting only 36% from the field.

Hankerson is a Miami, Florida native, so I wonder if he has interest in going back home to play for the Hurricanes. As for Mitchell, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go ahead and put his name in the NBA Draft. He won’t be drafted, but he could find himself on a roster, but would more than likely end up in the D-League if anything. Another year in Tuscaloosa would have greatly helped Mitchell’s pro prospects.

With the departure of JaMychal Green, Alabama now has three scholarships open for this recruiting period heading into next season. While they have three available, they really only have two after freshman guard Retin Obasohan from Belgium redshirted last season. Obasohan will take up one of the scholarship spots, but that still leaves two open for Anthony Grant to bring in some help.

The big name the Tide is trying to attract is of course Porterville, Mississippi’s Devonta Pollard, who is a five star small forward prospect according to rivals.com. Rivals rates Pollard as the #9 ranked player in this recruiting class, and the 2nd best small forward. The Crimson Tide is among the finalists for Pollard’s services along with Georgetown, Missouri, and Texas.

Another name to keep an eye on for Alabama will be 6-foot-6 shooting guard DeVon Walker from Winter Haven, Florida. Walker is a three star prospect according to rivals, and they rate him as the 149th best player in this class. Walker has Alabama on a list that includes Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Kansas State, Miami (FL), and UCF.

If Alabama can snag both of these guys, it would go a long way in to solidifying next season’s roster. I’m sure there are some other targets Anthony Grant will certainly be getting in contact with if these two don’t pan out. It was looking like a pretty boring recruiting season for the Crimson Tide with JaMychal Green being the only player gone, but now with Mitchell and Hankerson Jr. out the door as well, Grant has some room on the roster to make a move.

Mitchell and Hankerson’s departure leaves Alabama in desperate need of forward depth, which makes the recruitment of Devonta Pollard all the more important.

I’m thankful for what both of these guys contributed to the program over the last few years, and I wish them nothing but the best wherever they end up.

“I’ve had several discussions about my future plans with my family and Coach Williams and have decided to return to UNC to continue playing for the Tar Heels and continue my education,” says McAdoo. “I love being at Carolina and really enjoy competing with and being around my teammates and am excited about what we can do together next season.

“Every young basketball player wants to have as much information about his future and understand what others in the game think about him. It’s been interesting to learn the information that Coach Williams has gathered, but I am ready to continue as a Tar Heel. I’m enjoying my time in Chapel Hill and am excited about the future for my team and me.”

As we know head coach Roy Williams is also trying to get former UConn’s forward Alex Oriakhi to come to Chapel Hill, which the NCAA denied the school’s second appeal, and would mean that he could play right away. Will the fact that McAdoo is coming back make it more interesting for Oriakhi to come to Carolina? I would say so, since the ex Huskie would not want to be the only big man option and have double teams on him all the time. However, just like we had to with McAdoo, we will have to wait for this as well as the former Connecticut’s forward does his rounds of visits, which “definitely” include UNC, Duke, Kentucky and Missouri.

Spike Albrecht

Multiple media outlets including USA Today and CBS Sports are reporting that Michigan point guard Trey Burke will forego his final three seasons of eligibility and declare for the NBA Draft. In the wake of that hard-hitting news, Michigan fans are left wondering who will run the point for the Wolverines in the upcoming season?

The coaching staff has identified two players who they feel can help fill the void left by Burke’s early departure. They are Michael “Spike” Albrecht and Amedeo Della Valle.

Albrecht hails from Crown Point, Indiana and was an AAU teammate of Mitch McGary and Glenn “Tre” Robinson III. He played this past season in prep school for Mount Herman (Massachusetts), which is the only team to have defeated the powerhouse Brewster Academy that Mitch McGary played for. Albrecht is described as a cerebral point guard. He can penetrate into the lane and make plays and is a very good ball handler. He is reportedly 6-foot-1, 180 pounds. See the highlight video below.

Albrecht is scheduled to visit Michigan on Thursday, April 5th.

The other late addition to the class that the coaches are looking at is Amedeo Della Valle. He is a 6-foot-5, 180 pound, combo guard out of Henderson, Nevada. An Italian import, Della Valle is a versatile player who can handle the rock, but isn’t a true point guard. He’s a scrapper on the court, a guy who makes winning plays.

April 10th is the deadline for players who have declared for the draft, but not hired an agent, to withdraw and return to school.
April 29th is the deadline to declare for the draft.

If Burke decides to go the NBA route, Michigan fans should wish him well and thank him for a remarkable freshman campaign. He sure left us wanting more though and it’s hard not to wonder how good they would have been with him back for another season.

Stay connected to our Michigan Basketball coverage by following us on Twitter; @isportsRob and @isportsJoe

Tom Izzo was named the UPS NABC Division I Coach of the Year, marking his eighth national award of his career.

Draymond Green was named NABC Division I Player of the Year, which is the third time a Spartan has ever received National Player of the Year honor. The first two being Scott Skiles in1986 and Shawn Respert in 1995.

“It means a lot to be one of only three players of the great Spartan tradition to win a player of the year award,” said Green. “We’re talking about greats like Smith, Cleaves, Johnson, Kelser and many more. For me to win an award of such great magnitude means a lot for me to be able to contribute to making this an even better program. I consider myself lucky to follow in their footsteps.”

Draymond Green and Tom Izzo hoisting the Big Ten Tournament Title.

Green finished his career at MSU as the school’s leading rebounder (1,096), 17th in scoring (1,517 points), second in career blocks (117) and second in career steals (180).

This season, the senior forward led the Spartans in scoring with 16.2 ppg, rebounding 10.6 rpg, and steals with 54. He also ranked third in the nation with 22 double-doubles.

“You don’t get to coach a player like Draymond Green very often, but you appreciate it while you can,” Izzo said.  “His efforts, along with those of his fellow seniors and all his teammates are responsible for my award. I’ve always said that no coach ever gets to make a shot, grab a rebound or make a defensive stop. Players play the game, and this year’s team gave me everything they had. As a coach, that’s all you can ask.”

Izzo has won this award for the second time in his career, the first time being in 2001.

Michigan State finished the season with with a 29-8 record, winning a share of the regular-season Big Ten Championship and the Big Ten Tournament title.

The Spartans became just the 10th team in NCAA history to go from unranked in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 to a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Nix, 21, was arrested at approximately 12:20 a.m. on misdemeanor charges of operating with any presence of drugs and also marijuana possession, according to the court record. An East Lansing Police Department record classified one of the charges as operating under the influence of a controlled substance.

Nix, who has since been released, will have between four to 10 calendar days to make a court appearance.

____________________

Based on new information from the East Lansing 54-B court, it appears Michigan State basketball player Derrick Nix has in fact been arrested for operating a vehicle with the presence of drugs and marijuana possession. The charge is a misdemeanor offense.

isportsweb.com originally reported the following:

A source within the East Lansing Police Department has told isportsweb.com that Michigan State basketball player Derrick Nix was arrested last night for drunken driving. We are aware of the difficulty of using anonymous sources, are confident in our source, and are working to confirm this from other sources as well. No further information is available at this time.

Nix is a 6-9″, 270-lb junior from Pershing High School in Detroit, Michigan. He was rumored to be a candidate for captain in his senior season for next year’s defending Big Ten Champion Spartans. Nix turned 21 on December 11, 2011.

You can follow me on Twitter @dharns

“We hope to have a decision (by) this weekend,” the elder McAdoo said in a text message.

The 6’9″/220 lbs forward had a so-so regular season, at times looking truly uncomfortable when on the floor. However McAdoo’s stock began to rise as the post season arrived, with his points going from 6.1 to 10.6 per game. With starter John Henson being out a couple of games due to his wrist injury the freshman stepped in and had one good game after another. In the last game of the year, when UNC lost to KU McAdoo was the leading Tar Heel scorer with fifteen points. The first weekend of the NCAA Tournament the freshman scored 17 points against Vermont.

As the coaches and the fan base wait for the freshman to give his decision one thing is certain, at a program like North Carolina, where the bigs have been a key to the offense for quite a while, might be without a proven go to guy in the paint when next season comes. If that is the case, let’s hope that the perimeter guys are ready to play, cause they will have to!