Michigan State Basketball:History and Recent Happenings 

Michigan State basketball and Its History

Michigan State University (MSU) has a storied basketball program that has produced some of the greatest players and coaches in the history of college basketball. The program has won multiple national championships and has consistently been a powerhouse in the Big Ten Conference. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history, culture, and success of Michigan State basketball.

History of Michigan State Basketball 

Michigan State basketball began in 1898, making it one of the oldest basketball programs in the United States. The team struggled in its early years, but things began to change in the 1950s under head coach Forrest "Forddy" Anderson. Anderson led the Spartans to their first conference championship in 1957, and they went on to win six more under his leadership.

In 1976, Jud Heathcote was hired as head coach, and he would go on to have a huge impact on the program. In his third season, he led the Spartans to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, and in 1979, they made it all the way to the Elite Eight. However, it was in 1979-80 that Heathcote and the Spartans made history. Led by Magic Johnson, the Spartans won their first-ever national championship, defeating Larry Bird and Indiana State in the title game. Johnson's performance in the championship game is still considered one of the greatest in NCAA Tournament history.

Under Heathcote's leadership, the Spartans continued to have success in the 1980s and 1990s, including another Final Four appearance in 1999. Tom Izzo, who was an assistant under Heathcote, took over as head coach in 1995 and has continued the program's success.

Culture of Michigan State Basketball 

Michigan State basketball has a unique culture that is built on toughness, hard work, and a family atmosphere. The program is known for recruiting players who have a blue-collar mentality and who are willing to put in the work to get better. Izzo has also placed a strong emphasis on building relationships with his players, and many former Spartans consider him to be a father figure.

The culture at Michigan State is also built on a strong sense of community. The program has a huge following, and the fans are known for their passion and loyalty. The team regularly plays in front of sell-out crowds at the Breslin Center, and the student section, known as the Izzone, is one of the loudest and most supportive in college basketball.

Success of Michigan State Basketball 

Michigan State basketball has had a lot of success over the years, including:

Two national championships (1979-80, 1999-2000)

Eight Final Four appearances (1957, 1979-80, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2009, 2010)

10 Big Ten regular-season championships

Six Big Ten tournament championships

Numerous All-Americans, NBA players, and NBA coaches

Izzo has been a huge part of the program's success in recent years. He has led the Spartans to 22 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances (as of 2021), which is the third-longest streak in NCAA history. He has also led the team to seven Final Fours, including a national championship in 2000. Izzo has been named the Big Ten Coach of the Year four times and the National Coach of the Year three times.

Michigan State basketball is a storied program with a rich history and a unique culture. The program is known for its tough, hard-working players and its passionate fan base. The Spartans have had a lot of success over the years, including two national championships and numerous Final Four appearances. Tom Izzo has been a huge part of the program's success in recent years.

Recent Happenings in Michigan State Basketball 

The Michigan State basketball team had a mixed season in 2020-2021, finishing with a record of 15-13 overall and 9-11 in the Big Ten Conference. The team started off the season strong, winning its first two games against Eastern Michigan and Notre Dame. However, the team struggled in conference play, losing several close games and failing to gain momentum.

Despite the team's struggles, there were some bright spots throughout the season. Junior forward Aaron Henry emerged as a leader on the court, averaging 15.4 points per game and earning All-Big Ten honors. Freshman guard A.J. Hoggard also showed promise, averaging 2.9 assists per game and providing a spark off the bench.

After the season, the team underwent some changes. Sophomore guard Rocket Watts transferred to Mississippi State, while freshman guard Davis Smith entered the transferred to Mississippi State, while freshman guard Davis Smith entered the transfer portal. However, the team also added some key players through the transfer portal, including guard Tyson Walker from Northeastern and forward Max Christie from Rolling Meadows High School in Illinois.

The Spartans have also been active on the recruiting trail, landing commitments from several top prospects in the 2022 and 2023 classes. In August 2021, the team received a commitment from Emoni Bates, one of the top high school players in the country. Bates, a 6'9" forward, is considered by many to be a generational talent and is expected to make an immediate impact when he joins the team in 2022.

Performance of Players in Michigan State Basketball 

Aaron Henry: Junior forward Aaron Henry was the standout player for Michigan State in the 2020-2021 season. He led the team in scoring with an average of 15.4 points per game, as well as in rebounds (5.6 per game), assists (3.6 per game), and steals (1.3 per game). Henry also earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors for his efforts. After the season, he declared for the NBA Draft and was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 50th overall pick.

Rocket Watts: Sophomore guard Rocket Watts had an up-and-down season for the Spartans. He started off strong, scoring a career-high 23 points in the season opener against Eastern Michigan. However, Watts struggled with consistency throughout the season and ultimately decided to transfer to Mississippi State after the season. He averaged 7.7 points per game and shot 33.6% from the field.

Joey Hauser: Junior forward Joey Hauser, a transfer from Marquette, had a solid season for Michigan State.He averaged 9.7 points per game and was second on the team in rebounds with 5.6 per game. Hauser was also a reliable three-point shooter, hitting 39.7% of his attempts from beyond the arc.

Gabe Brown: Junior guard Gabe Brown was a key contributor for Michigan State off the bench. He averaged 7.2 points and 2.7 rebounds per game and provided a spark with his energy and athleticism. Brown also shot 39.6% from three-point range.

Malik Hall: Sophomore forward Malik Hall showed improvement in his second season with the Spartans. He averaged 5.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game and provided solid defense and rebounding off the bench. Hall also had a memorable performance in a win over then-No. 6 Duke, scoring 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.

A.J. Hoggard: Freshman guard A.J. Hoggard played a valuable role for Michigan State off the bench. He averaged 2.9 assists per game and showed flashes of potential as a playmaker. Hoggard also provided energy on the defensive end of the court.

Overall, Michigan State basketball has undergone some changes in the past year, but the team is still expected to be a competitive force  in the Big Ten and nationally. With a strong core of returning players and some key additions, the Spartans will look to bounce back in the upcoming season and continue the program's winning tradition.