One common factor exists among the Spartan men’s basketball and football teams, but that factor may soon multiply.
Since freshman quarterback Aaron Alexander joined the team Thursday, basketball head coach Tom Izzo has liked what he’s seen.
In fact, Izzo’s been impressed enough with Alexander to continue talks with football head coach Bobby Williams about the possibilities of adding other bodies to his depleted roster.
“There’s one or two other guys we’ve looked at, and maybe feel like we could use,” Izzo said. “But we’re not going to jeopardize anything with football.”
In Alexander, the basketball team has found a 6-foot-5, 190-pound athlete who brings much needed energy to the practices. Despite Alexander’s small frame, he’s been filling in at the power forward position.
“It’s a lot of hard work, and a totally different type of running,” Alexander said. “But being in shape and an athlete has helped.
“It’s been easy to fit right in. All the guys get along pretty well.”
Izzo said his first look at Alexander was Dec. 31 on the sidelines during the Silicon Valley Football Classic.
“I went to that bowl game and I spent half the time watching our quarterback throw to (wide receiver Charles) Rogers, and spent the other half watching Aaron on the sideline - just how he acted and how he was,” Izzo said. “And the kid was awesome.
“I said right then I’d like to have that kid around our program. Every minute he’s patting someone on the back and he’s excited every play. He’s not even playing, he’s just really into the game - just my kind of guy.”
The search for able bodies is a direct byproduct of the Spartans recent rash of injuries.
Sophomore forward Adam Wolfe is out for the season with a torn right hamstring, freshman forward Alan Anderson (knee) and sophomore center Jason Andreas (pelvic bone) are both limited in practice and junior forward Adam Ballinger is not 100 percent as he continues to return from a sprained right ankle.
“I practiced full (Monday) for the first time,” Andreas said, “and I felt pretty good (Monday). I’m sure I’ll be ready to go Wednesday.”
With the possibility of further injuries, the Spartans may need to continue their scavenger hunt for bodies.
“We are kind of searching and thinking about maybe one other guy,” Izzo said.
That other guy is freshman wide receiver Robert Strickland. But Izzo said the final decision will depend on the potential impact to the football team.
“Bobby’s been unbelievable,” Izzo said. “He has already given up some things for me.”
Right now, the most important issue is filling the roster with able bodies. Izzo said the injuries have limited the team and he doesn’t want to be forced into a change in style.
“We’re going to try and get a rotation in again,” Izzo said. “Whether it’s football players or walk-ons or whoever, I think it’s really important for this team.
“I don’t want to change the style we play. I don’t want to have to slow the ball down because we can’t run with as many bodies.”
