Two Spartans were named to the Associated Press’ All-America basketball team, further cementing MSU as an elite program.
All-American sophomore guard Jason Richardson was selected to the second team, while All-American senior guard Charlie Bell was selected to the third team. MSU and Duke are the only programs to have two players named to the All-America teams. Duke’s Jason Williams and Shane Battier were recognized.
“It’s a great honor,” Richardson said. “This is the greatest award I’ve gotten so far.”
Richardson averaged 15.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game for MSU, while shooting 52.9 percent from the field and 42.1 percent from behind the three-point arch.
Richardson came to MSU as a highly touted McDonald’s All-American, but spent much of his freshman year as a role player.
He said it was a learning experience players need to take advantage of.
“It really lets me know that all the hard work I did this summer and staying in the gym late at night working hard really pays off,” he said. “I think it probably will inspire a lot of players.”
MSU head coach Tom Izzo said he has really enjoyed seeing two of his players make the All-America teams.
He also said it’s also good for the program.
“It’s another part that is exciting for me because the more All-Americas we can get in this program the more it says for the program,” he said. “I really am happy to see it and I hope there is more.”
Bell and Richardson give MSU 17 different All-America players all-time, and four in Izzo’s six seasons as head coach. Mateen Cleaves (1998, 1999 and 2000) and Morris Peterson (2000) were his first All-Americans.
“To step out of the shadows of Mateen and Morris, and really make a name for myself nationally feels great,” said Bell, who along with Peterson and Cleaves is a native of Flint.
Bell finished the season averaging 13.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game.
However, he was averaging 17.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.2 assists back in January, before struggling with the flu.
Bell said the flu slowed him down and he became less aggressive. With MSU beginning tournament play Friday, he said it’s time to become aggressive again.
“I have some unfinished business to do,” he said. “This is my last go-around. I don’t want any regret after this season that I didn’t give it my all.”
Bell said the Spartans are still one of the best teams in the tournament, adding the All-America nominations just further demonstrate that.
“We have a point to prove out there,” he said. “We still are the national champs until somebody beats us.”
