The Case for Michigan State

Something wasn't right last year. When that final buzzer sounded and Duke players started jumping up and down, something felt wrong. Yes, Michigan State had just been eliminated in the Sweet 16. Yes, they weren't going to play until next year. You knew it, but it just didn't feel that way. The whole game felt off; like, oh, we'll come back tomorrow. These aren't OUR Spartans, these are just some guys in green jerseys with the words MICHIGAN STATE across the front.
So when guys like Keith Appling, Gary Harris, and Adreian Payne didn't suit up the next day, you can imagine how they felt. Hungry.....to win. That's why I think Michigan State will be cutting down the nets this year.
Michigan State has arguably the best backcourt in the the NCAA today. Keith Appling is a 6-1 senior who now has sole possession of the team. (Let's not mention the sideline "exchange" between Appling and graduated Laynce Nix). With no one to feud with and a lot to prove (especially if he wants to get drafted), not to mention a knack for dishing out assists, Appling looks poised to have a great year. His ankle problems are behind him, and if things go his way, a title is in front of him.
Gary Harris gained the adoration of MSU'ers everywhere when he chose to come back for his sophomore year instead of declaring for a draft he likely would have been a top-15 pick in. The scariest part about the sweet-shooting, head-faking, unibrowed Spartan? He's still a raw talent. Yup, let that sink in for a minute. If Tom Izzo can really tap into his potential, and history indicates he can, then Gary Harris; unibrow might just become more famous than Anthony Davis'. Scary, I know.
Three words: Adreian Postmove Payne. Postmove is one word because that's how his opponents feel after he finishes at the net. Payne is great a posting up down on the blocks, a sweet dunker, and he can even hit the occasional 3 when asked. What's not to like? If you're a Michigan fan, the fact that he's a raw player also.
Brendan Dawson is the written-in starter at the 3, and he's a serviceable guy who is dangerous when he gets hot. What I'm more excited about the bench: particularly the guard duo of Travis Trice and Denzel Valentine. Both performed phenomenally off the bench last year, especially against Memphis in the 2nd round and the regular season games against Indiana. Trice has a wicked, wicked 3, that he can shoot from anywhere not called backcourt. Valentine is great off the dribble and has some great passes up his sleeve. Other reserves like Matt Costello are dominant down low. Costello has a sweet hook and is fantastic at powering his way up to the basket.
Can you see why I'm excited? In the AP Poll right now, Michigan State enters the season as #3, and they have some huge chances to prove themselves against their fellow Big Ten teams, along with televised match ups against Kentucky and Georgetown, among other schools. And should I even mention the number of Final Fours Tom Izzo has taken MSU to?
This is the Spartans year.