With the Big Ten conference being recently expanded to 14 teams with the addition of Maryland and Rutgers, many teams only faced each other once instead of twice in a home-and-home series. As a result, players had fewer chances to showcase their ability to different media markets. 

Junior guard Denzel Valentine and senior guard Travis Trice each received third team selections in the coaches and media poll, and senior forward Branden Dawson received a second team selection in each poll. 

MSU's big three didn't always step up in key games, and it might've cost them in the end according to Izzo. 

"Would I liked to have seen those two guys higher, would I have liked to have seen Branden on the first team, would I like to see all that? Sure I would," Izzo said. "But it's a good lesson to learn that you've got perform each and every night, and especially the way the schedule is now." 

Trice said he was surprised Valentine, who averaged 14.5 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists and ranked top 15 in the Big Ten in eight statistical categories, wasn't a higher selection. He added that MSU's poor performance in key games could have been a reason as well. 

"I think some of the reason is because of how we lost games this year and some of the games that we did lose this year," Trice said. "At the same time everyone gears up for us especially when we go to their place, so you're going to get everybody's best shot." 

Valentine thought both himself and Trice were snubbed, but said the selections are added fuel with the Big Ten tournament around the corner. 

"I think Travis should have at least got second or first team," Valentine said. "He's had some great games. It's whatever, you know. At least we got on there. We're going to have a chip on our shoulder, especially me and Travis, it being his senior year and the great games he's had."

Izzo said winning is a huge factor when he votes, and both coaches and media seem to agree. Five players from Maryland and Wisconsin were named All-Big Ten for the coaches vote, and six Maryland and Wisconsin players were named for the media vote. 

MSU had more All-Big Ten selections (3) than Maryland (2) in the coaches poll, despite Maryland finishing with a better record. The Spartans, Badgers and Terrapins each placed three players in the media poll.