Raining Threes!

            Its that wonderful time of year again. Basketball is in the air, and it is raining threes! That's right MSU basketball is about to tip off and the energy on campus is electric with anticipation. This past week I had the privilege of sitting in on a basketball practice before I attended our first exhibition game against Ferris State last Sunday. I have to say I can barely contain my own excitement for the season.

            Sitting in on the practice in particular was an amazing experience for me. The practice opened with a private huddle between the team, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, and Mateen Cleaves. What I would give to be in that huddle! After a few walkthroughs and drills the team ran scrimmages. The coaches mixed up the sides a few times but I did note a clear first team and second team.

 

First Team:

PG - Keith Appling

G - Brandon Wood

G - Brenden Dawson

F - Draymond Green

F - Derrick Nix

Second Team:

PG - Travis Trice

G - Brandan Kearney

G - Austin Thorton

F - Alex Gauna

F - Adreian Payne

            I noted that Russel Byrd didn't actually participate in practice. He did play six minutes against Ferris State. I would consider Byrd my X-factor this season, we are going to need him to make a strong push for the Big Ten Title. His deep range will be very important in covering up one of our biggest weaknesses from last season, outside shooting. This was evident in the exhibition in which we shot 17% from 3. This is a number that will need to improve to have any chance in our brutal opening schedule against North Carolina and Duke.

            Looking at more of the positives, of which there are plenty, none is bigger than the play of Brenden Dawson, McDonald's All-American Freshman. When I say big I mean it. Listed at 6-6 and 220 lbs Dawson is a monster who can do it all. In both practice and the exhibition Dawson was drawn to offensive boards and will likely be one of the strongest forces on the glass in all the Big Ten.

          

           Head Coach Tom Izzo has called this his youngest team ever, and it certainly is a team under the radar after a subpar performance for a top tier program last year. Izzo has also said he doesn't like being an underdog. Despite this, the drop in expectations, new senior leadership, and a touted freshman class could lead this team and program back to prominence.

            As of this writing we are nine days away from 11/11/11 and the Carrier Classic versus the North Carolina Tar Heels (And our jerseys look awesome!) Its been confirmed that President Obama will be there along with actors from popular military movies. I've heard unconfirmed rumors of Tom Cruise for the obvious Top Gun reference. This is shaping up to be an incredible event on the national stage. Until then, GO STATE!