Tom Izzo’s Michigan State Spartans come in at the top spot in Def Pen Sports’ team preview countdown. Most everyone nationally is in agreement that the Spartans are the top dogs heading into the 2019-20 season, and for good reason too. Led by National Player of the Year favorite Cassius Winston, Michigan State returns a strong core of experienced players. An impactful recruiting class on top of that secures this squad as one of the best in the country.
After reaching the Final Four last season, Izzo’s group will look to compound on that success and position themselves for a national title. Despite another injury to Josh Langford for an extended period of time, the Spartans still appear to be the best team in the country. Let’s take a look at Michigan State’s profile for this season.
Key Returners
- Cassius Winston
- Xavier Tillman
- Aaron Henry
- Josh Langford
The Spartans bring back an incredibly strong core of returning talent, headlined by point guard Cassius Winston. Likely the best player in the country, Winston will be behind any and all success this squad sees. Xavier Tillman and Aaron Henry cap off what might be the best returning trio in the country. Josh Langford figures to contribute at a high level, should he garner consistent good health.
Key Losses
- Nick Ward
- Kenny Goins
- Matt McQuaid
These three losses do not come lightly, Each of these players started virtually every game last season, and Goins was the team leader in rebounds. McQuaid, who was one of the team’s best shooters, will be missed in the floor spacing role. Despite these losses to their depth, the Spartans have enough star power to overcome.
Key Newcomers
- Rocket Watts
- Malik Hall
Tom Izzo brings in three freshmen, with two of them being in the top 65 of their class. Rocket Watts is the headliner, however. The shifty scoring guard should provide an immediate jolt to a squad that will be looking for another reliable scorer. Hall provides frontcourt depth at the forward position, which will be needed after losing Goins and Ward specifically.
Projected Starting Five
- Cassius Winston
- Rocket Watts
- Kyle Ahrens (Josh Langford when healthy)
- Aaron Henry
- Xavier Tillman
Michigan State Spartans Season Outlook
The Spartans’ sights will be set on the National Title. After being ranked at the top spot heading into the season, Izzo and crew have a large target on their back. Their senior leadership in Cassius Winston will serve as their steady hand through March. While the rest of the team is great, Winston’s dominance will be the key to their title hopes.
Tom Izzo has a balanced squad with as good a player as he has had in his time in East Lansing. This unit breaks the mold of the elite teams we have seen lately. It has been all about the freshmen in college hoops lately, though the Spartans are building with a balanced combination of young talent and quality, experienced players.
Record Prediction: 27-4 (17-3)
After finishing in the Final Four last season, the Spartans will have a chip on their shoulder to grab the prize that they were once so close to. They play 11 non-conference games highlighted by Duke and Kentucky. They may face Kansas in the Maui Invitational, and will also take on Seton Hall.
Michigan State should comfortably win the Big Ten. The conference has a handful of high-quality teams, though none appear to be close to the Spartans. Conference play always has bumps and bruises, and it won’t be any different for this squad. They should be at around 27-4 on the year, and 17-3 in conference play.
