2006 Michigan State Spartans Basketball Preview

2006 Michigan State Spartans Basketball Predictions

This club has been to the NCAA tourney 9 years in a row. This year they may make it an even decade. Last season, the Spartans (22- 12 over all and 8- 8 Big 10) lost to upset-maker George Mason 75- 65 in the first round. How far can they go in 2006 -07?

Point guard Drew Neitzel (8.3 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 5.6 APG, 40.8 FG%, 93.2 FT%), a junior, is a solid assist man and an accurate three-point shooter. He must now take more shots and contribute more points. Leading the perimeter defense, sophomore Travis Walton (1.8 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 2.4 APG, 39.6 FG%, 72.0 FT%), who can intimidate offenses, ball handles effectively and has the potential to hit consistently from downtown. Freshman guard/forward Raymar Morgan offers sound “D” and rebounding. The Spartans are desperate to have sophomore Maurice Joseph (0.7 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 0.0 APG, 25.0 FG%, 20.0 FT%) step up.

A trio of talented front men return— senior center Drew Naymick (1.1 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 0.4 APG, 50.0 FG%, 0.0 FT%), sophomore center Goran Suton (3.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 0.5 APG, 47.1 FG%, 73.7 FT%) and sophomore forward Marquise Gray (3.0 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 0.4 APG, 52.1 FG%, 36.8 FT%). Naymick offers good defense and looks to develop offensively. Suton is a fine shooter and rising rebounder. Gray possesses fine athleticism and talent but due to injury may need more time to develop.

Tom Izzo (255- 109 in 11 years) must get this club to be more aggressive on defense and in grabbing rebounds. He’ll also need to get substantial point production from various sophomores. The Spartans are not deep, which means that Izzo will have to get his players to reach new heights in order to go deep into the tournament.

This Spartan team is not expected to do very much. That, of course, means that players will be challenged and motivated to over achieve. Michigan State may be thin, but the team possesses a lot of promise. Numerous players must step up in order for them to get to the Big Dance once again.

If you want more info on the 2006 Michigan State Spartans College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Indiana Hoosiers and Penn State Nittany Lions.