Izzo introduces 2008-09 Spartans

For the first time since the spring, the MSU men’s basketball team — with the addition of three new faces — was fully dressed for Media Day at Breslin Center.

Answering questions about the past, present and future, the Spartans were amped and ready to kick off the 2008-09 schedule Nov. 5 against Northern Michigan, head coach Tom Izzo’s alma mater.

But the 14-year coach couldn’t believe basketball was being brought up before such an important football weekend.

“It’s probably been one of the more exciting years we’ve had here in a while,” Izzo said. “The last time we had a great football season and a good basketball team was in 1999 and 2000. I put that pressure on (head football coach) Mark (Dantonio) and he put it back on me, and it’s a good way to start off the season.”

A few of the topics touched on at Wednesday’s event:

Sizing up the schedule

With landmark games against teams such as North Carolina, Texas and Kansas on MSU’s schedule, the Spartans couldn’t help but turn their heads when first hearing the news.

But it wasn’t in fear of losing those future games, rather of being anxious to get out onto the hardwood and show their talent.

“It’s not scary; it’s definitely exciting,” senior center Goran Suton said. “I think we’ve played a lot of good teams in my four years here and there is nothing scary about that. It’ll be scary if it goes a bad way.”

Senior forward Marquise Gray’s face filled with a huge smile before he commented that schedules like this are the reason someone commits to MSU to play basketball.

New jerseys, new attitude

There are two big things a Spartans fan might notice about MSU’s squad this season other than the addition of three freshmen: Hairstyle changes and sleeker, tighter uniforms.

First off, the team, as a whole, decided to show their coaches and their fans they could make a sacrifice by getting rid of the flashy cornrows, dreadlocks or long hair.

Sophomore guard Chris Allen said the change will only help the bonding of the team as whole.

The Spartans also will boast a new style of Nike jerseys, which some teams like Ohio State, Florida and Syracuse experimented with last season.

But leave it to senior captain and guard Travis Walton to efficiently sum it up.

“Whatever they put on us, we’re going to look good in it — it don’t matter,” Walton said.

The deep end: No children allowed

At first glance of MSU’s roster, one word might come to mind: extensive.

But the 16 active players aren’t just names on a sheet of paper — they represent a sense of depth on the bench that Izzo admitted he hasn’t had in a while.

“I think that’s the way we’re trying to approach it this year,” Izzo said.

“We have to finish games that we’re supposed to win. I like this year’s team.”

And with eight guards on the roster, freshman guard Korie Lucious said he understands the battle for playing time is going to take lot of physical and mental toughness.

“It’s going to take everything I got, but I’m willing to give that to show the coaches I can play and run the floor,” Lucious said.

“I’m just more excited to be in the atmosphere of the game, being in front of a lot of people. It’s going to be really exciting.”

Published on Wednesday, October 15, 2008