After nine consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, success for the MSU men's basketball team has become, as head coach Tom Izzo said, "expected more than it is appreciated."

So with Maurice Ager, Paul Davis and Shannon Brown — who combined for almost 70 percent of MSU's scoring last season — gone to the NBA, even Izzo can't blame those who project the Spartans to have a down year by their own standards.

But that's all right with him — he's had plenty of success playing the underdog.

"When you're constantly picked to win, it's not as much fun for anybody," Izzo said Tuesday at Media Day. "So just a once-in-a-while dose of this isn't all bad."

The Spartans return several players who are capable of filling the holes left by last year's stars, including junior guard Drew Neitzel and sophomore forward Goran Suton. They'll also get a boost from a trio of highly touted freshmen, including projected starter Raymar Morgan.

"It'll be a different year," junior center Drew Naymick said. "This team will play with a little bit of a chip on its shoulder. We're looking to go out there and prove people wrong."

The loss of last year's stars will likely put an end to the offensive explosions MSU has shown the last few seasons. But it also has allowed Izzo to form a grittier, more defensive-minded squad — a throwback to the style that landed the Spartans the 2000 national championship.

"It's going to be a working man's year," Izzo said. "And you know what? I'm kind of ready for a working man's year."