Small forward: Sophomore Alan Anderson - Anderson will play a key role on both ends of the court this season, using his speed on the break and his ball-handling skills to spark the offense while playing stellar defense in the backcourt. His poise and ability to play four positions will also help aid the ailing Spartans. As a freshman, Anderson averaged 6.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per contest.

Power forward: Senior Aloysius Anagonye - With such a young team, the seasoned Anagonye must use his experience to maintain the leadership role both on and off the court. As MSU's arguably most physical player, he is expected to be a major contributor to the inside game - if he can stay out of foul trouble. In his junior season, Anagonye averaged 7.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.

Center: Senior Adam Ballinger - A big man who makes his presence known under the basket, Ballinger also possesses the ability to step outside and drain the three if left alone. As a second-year captain he also is expected to provide guidance for the younger Spartans. In his junior campaign, Ballinger averaged 11.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.

Point guard: Junior Rashi Johnson - The junior college transfer was supposed to just play a part in running the point before the season. But with injuries, Johnson is expected to use his speed and leadership to run the team and achieve Izzo's goal of pushing the ball up the floor. Playing at Mott Community College in Flint last season, Johnson averaged 16.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists per contest.

Other notables:

Guard: Freshman Maurice Ager - Ager will use his ball-handling skills to play both guard positions. In his senior year at Detroit's Crockett High School, Ager averaged 24.5 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and two steals per contest.

Forward/Center: Sophomore Jason Andreas - He will earn minutes for his rebounding skills and tough defense. He averaged 2.6 points and 2.9 rebounds per game in his sophomore campaign.

Guard: Sophomore Kelvin Torbert - He is expected to repeat an outstanding defensive season while working to improve his offense. Torbert averaged 8.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per contest as a freshman.

Guard: Sophomore Tim Bograkos- A defensive juggernaut, Bograkos provides a spark off the bench with his boundless energy and hustle. He averaged 1.4 points and 1.9 rebounds per game last season.

Center: Freshman Paul Davis - Davis was one of the country's top recruits and will earn minutes for both his shooting and rebounding abilities. In his senior campaign at Rochester High School, Davis averaged 29.7 points, 13.8 rebounds and 4.1 blocks per game.