Michigan State:

I am higher on the Spartans than most people on here. I think that somehow Izzo is going to get this team to win games. I think that Valentine and Dawson are going to be two very good players. Michigan State loses Dan Chapman, Adreian Payne, and Keith Appling to graduation. In addition, Gary Harris is leaving for the NBA. Also, Russell Byrd is foregoing his final year of elgibility. Losing these players means losing:

45% MPG

58% PPG

36% RPG

47% APG

48% SPG

37% BPG

Now this is quite a lot to lose but it could be worse. They could have three players going pro like other teams in the conference. Here is the catch, Alex Gauna has not decided if he is going to take his fifth year. And although he is not a starter, he is an important role-player. Here is what they lose if he leaves.

50% MPG

59% PPG

38% RPG

47% APG

48% SPG

40% BPG

Not only do they lose some real minutes, they lose valuable experience. This player is not going to be all B1G but losing him means losing serious depth. Here is what their roster looks like:

#   Name                         HT   WT   YR       POS

15 Keenan Wetzel          6-4   210   RS.SR SG

Only played 22 minutes all of last year, will not play.

2  Alex Gauna                6-9   250   RS.SR  C

Played 7 minutes a game last year. He will get about 10 minutes a game this year unless he decides not to take his fifth year.

20 Travis Trice               6-0   170   SR.      PG    

The starting Point Guard, candidate for "alien of the year". He averaged 22 minutes a game last year when Keith was being tough and he will get about 30 this year. He should be their 3rd option to score this year.

22 Branden Dawson      6-6   225   SR.     PF

Branden is arguably their best player. He may not be a scorer but he is a man on the boards and a very good defender. He will start at Power Forward. If Dan Dakich does not break Dawson's hand again then he should be on track for all B1G.

41 Colby Wollenman       6-7   225   RS.JR SF

Will not play.

45 Denzel Valentine        6-5   225   JR.     SF

The starting Small Forward, will be their go-to scorer. If he plays to his full ability he could be a lock to go to the NBA. Frontrunner for the "Needs Braces" team.

10 Matt Costello               6-9   240   JR.      C

The starting Center, could be pretty good next year and a more than servicable starter. 

13 Trevor Bohnhoff            6-7   215   JR.     PF

Will not play.

30 Kenny Kaminski           6-8    225   RS.SO PF

A three point shooter, will pick up odd minutes at the 3-5.

34 Gavin Schilling             6-9    225   SO.    C

An uber athletic fouling machine. He picks up 8 fouls every 40 minutes, which is good for him fouling out in 25 minutes. Not good. He will pick up minutes.

3  Alvin Ellis III                  6-4    195    SO.   SG

The biggest mystery on their team, he only played 7 minutes a game last year. I think he will start later on in the year. Early in the year I think Valentine will slide down with Dawson at the three and Kaminski at the 4. 

   Lourawls Nairn               5-10    170   FR.   PG

A four star, the #15 Point Guard in this class. He will be the back-up 1 this year.

   Javon Bess                    6-5       195   FR.   SG

A three star, the #20 Shooting Guard in this class. He will back-up Ellis at the 2.

   Marvin Clark                  6-7        219   FR.   PF

A three star, the #40 Power Forward in this class. He will be the back-up 3.

Projected Starting Lineup:

Point Guard: Travis Trice

Shooting Guard: Alvin Ellis III

Small Forward: Denzel Valentine

Power Forward: Branden Dawson

Center: Matt Costello

Losing Gauna would make this team worse than Michigan, but with him, MSU barely has the edge. I think State will go 4th in the B1G and 12-6 in the conference.

Next up... Ohio State