Record: 18-10 overall, 9-6 Big Ten
2001-2002 Report Card:
Shooting: B+
The Spartans have shot the ball especially well lately, most recently hitting 59 percent from the field in an 81-76 win at No. 18 Ohio State on Tuesday. The guard combo sophomore Marcus Taylor and freshman Chris Hill is deadly from behind the three-point stripe and junior forward Adam Ballinger is especially clutch from behind the arc. The only reason MSU doesn’t earn an “A” is its inability to score in four- or five-minute stretches.
Passing: C
Probably a better grade would be “ sometimes ‘A,’ sometimes ‘F.’” At times, the Spartans have been extremely careful with the ball. But teams have consistently proven MSU can be forced into turnovers. There still seems to be a tendency to take unnecessary risks with the ball, but things are improving.
Perimeter defense: B+
Freshman guard Kelvin Torbert has looked like a future defensive stopper and freshman swingman Alan Anderson has the size to match up with the versatile threes and fours in the conference. The perimeter defense has hassled teams (not named Indiana) into tough shooting nights for much of the conference schedule.
Post defense: Incomplete
When junior forwards Al Anagonye and Ballinger stay out of foul trouble, the Spartans’ inside presence is unquestioned. But when either of the two are handcuffed with foul trouble, they become targets. Aggressiveness is a two-way street, and while it may be the thing that makes the inside defense great at times, it also can hamper it.
Bench contribution: B
The numbers are far from gaudy. The names might not cause a neon-lit marquee to explode like “Dirk Diggler” can. But guys like walk-on freshman guard Tim Bograkos, sophomore center Jason Andreas, and Hill or Torbert (whoever isn’t starting) are, if nothing more, solid. Bograkos is a hellish defender who can cause opponents headaches with tireless hustle. And Andreas is on the road to becoming what head coach Tom Izzo describes as a “6-foot-10 Bograkos.” Whichever freshman is coming off the bench can spark the Spartans with a long three-point bomb (Hill’s specialty), or a towering rebound or hanging jump shot (KT’s game).
Intangibles: B-
The Spartans can’t go deep on their bench. They have one senior, who isn’t a key game-time contributor. They rely heavily on the minutes of three freshmen and a walk-on. But this is an Izzo-coached squad, and they are starting to learn how to scrap. Sometimes after 37 minutes, a game can be decided on pure toughness. The Spartans are close to realizing this.
Coaching: A+
I-Z-Z-O - ’nuff said.
Overall: B+
The future is bright, and with recent success, the future may not be too far away.
