Busting Brackets
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Big Ten Basketball: Badgers to turn NCAA Tournament momentum into Big Ten title

By Bryce Bennett

Dec 28, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; The Big Ten Conference logo on the Kohl Center Court during pre-game warm-ups before the Wisconsin Badgers take to the floor to play the Buffalo Bulls at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; The Big Ten Conference logo on the Kohl Center Court during pre-game warm-ups before the Wisconsin Badgers take to the floor to play the Buffalo Bulls at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 13, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo speaks with the media during Big Ten media day at the Marriott Washington Wardman Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo speaks with the media during Big Ten media day at the Marriott Washington Wardman Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Michigan State Spartans

2015-16 record: 29-6, 13-5 in Big Ten, reached NCAA Tournament first round

Head coach: Tom Izzo

Notable departures: Denzel Valentine, Bryn Forbes, Matt Costello, Deyonta Davis, Marvin Clark Jr (transferred to St. John’s), Javon Bess (transferred to Saint Louis)

Notable returnees: Eron Harris, Gavin Schilling, Matt McQuaid, Kenny Goins, Lourawls ‘Tum Tum’ Nairn Jr., Alvin Ellis III

Notable newcomers: Five-star SF Miles Bridges, five-star SG Joshua Langford, four-star C Nick Ward, four-star PG Cassius Winston, UNLV transfer C Ben Carter (could be injured for the year), 

This one doesn’t feel quite right. The defending Big Ten Tournament champs are very young, but extremely talented. The 2016 recruiting class might be Tom Izzo’s best ever, but rolling out 3-4 freshmen in the starting lineup will take some time to get used to.

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Izzo typically likes to rely on a mix of talented underclassmen with upperclassmen pillars, but this season, he might not be able to.

These power rankings would’ve had the Spartans in the top 2-3, but they have already lost bigs Ben Carter and Gavin Schilling to potential season-ending injuries. Heralded freshmen Miles Bridges, Nick Ward and Joshua Langford are the only Spartans left at 6’5″ or taller.

Even with the front court concerns, Michigan State is young and very good. Watch out for Miles Bridges this season. He already dropped 33 points in an exhibition game and has freakish athleticism.

As with other Michigan State seasons, this team has a murderous non-conference schedule. However, by late January and February this team will be dangerous.

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