Izzo's had numerous talented teams during his coaching tenure at MSU. And this year, as a popular preseason No. 1 pick, those expectations are unavoidable.

“We’re aware of the expectations," Izzo said. "I think we’ve been here once or twice before in some publications, but its not the norm. Our goals have always been to win championships. Our goals have always been to get better each and every game.” 

So, how does Izzo plan on tempering the high-level of pressure with his team? Taking it head on.

“I think I’m just going to keep it honest," Izzo said. "I kind of like it. I really do. You jump around, and one year you try to downplay it. ... You know, I'm going to embrace it.

"I'm to the point in my career, and I look at these last four, five years, and the number of games we have one, who we've played, who we’ve beaten and what we’ve done. I'm really proud of where the program is right now and I’m not going to use this as ‘enjoy the journey’ because I can feel the pressure."

Despite losing three starters from last season's Final Four team, in Kenny Goins, Nick Ward and Matt McQuaid, the Spartans return a plethora of experience and scoring all over the court. Sophomore Aaron Henry looks to be ready to take a major leap, while seniors Joshua Langford and Kyle Ahrens are both healthy and have been full-go in workouts after a season riddled with injuries. Sophomore Gabe Brown, Marcus Bingham Jr., Thomas Kithier and Foster Loyer each have another offseason under their belts. And a talented freshman class that includes Mark "Rocket" Watts and Malik Hall join the fold.

Oh yeah, and Winston, a National Player of the Year candidate, is still at MSU as well. Izzo said that he and Winston talked throughout the summer about handling the pressure this year's team may face. All that combined, has formed a bubble of confidence around this year's team.

“Not a lot of people get this opportunity," he said. "Its a wonderful opportunity to be on this platform. You know, theres going to be a lot of people watching so, you know, we’re going to do everything we can to be prepared, ready to go, and you know, take advantage of the opportunity.”

Pressure may hit the Spartans right away with a daunting non-conference schedule right out of the gate. After an exhibition against Albion on Oct. 29, Michigan State will travel to New York to play Kentucky in the Champions Classic on Nov. 5. Nine days later, the Spartans travel to Seton Hall for the Gavitt Games, and then to Maui, Hawaii for the 2019 Maui Invitational where a matchup with Kansas could await.

And then, an Elite Eight rematch when Duke travel to East Lansing to play the Spartans in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

“This is what you dream about," Izzo said. "If you’re a coach, you dream about this. If you’re a fan, you dream about this, and if you're a player you definitely dream about this."

Michigan State will find out very quickly if it can live up to those high expectations. This isn't new. The Spartans have been around this block before.

“We know that a lot of people have us ranked No. 1, so we have to hold ourselves to that standard too," Junior forward Xavier Tillman said. "Every time we step on the floor for a workout, for a lift, for a practice, everybody has to be on high standards and go as hard as we can every day.”