Leelanau Sports Guy’s World

MSU is getting plenty of recognition after it’s run to the Final Four last season. In this poll, written by Scout.com’s Frank Burlison, they are rated behind only Duke and Connecticut. Frank says, “In a season in which Duke and Connecticut seem superior to the rest of the field, we’ll give the Spartans the nod at the moment as the ‘best of the rest.’“. A big key for the Spartans will be sophomore Drew Neitzel. If he can improve and keep his turnovers down this high-powered offense will be tough to stop. The depth at point guard is young and inexperienced, so Neitzel must stay healthy.

Paul Davis earned a preseason 2nd team All-American selection and Maurice Ager was a just miss. Davis is going to have a huge year, provided he plays like he did in the NCAA tourney. If he does the Spartans can be as good as anyone and will have a chance at coach Tom Izzo’s second NCAA title.

Read Unveiling our preseason Top 25 rankings at Fox Sports
Read Duke, UConn fill out All-America teams at Fox Sports