Michigan State Basketball: Why Spartans are legit 2018-19 title contenders

Michigan State Basketball is one of the elite programs in the country every year. This year is different and Coach Izzo has a team he says is special. So special they can win the National Title.

Every year college basketball produces 5 to 10 programs that have a legitimate chance to win the national title. This year is no exception to that rule. Michigan State Basketball is one of the few teams this season who are going to be in the National Championship mix come NCAA tournament time. The Spartans are used to the spotlight as they are one of the more prestigious programs in the entire country.

Tom Izzo has been the coach of the Spartans since the 1995 season, taking over for legend Jud Heathcote. Heathcote brought the Spartans to prominence, and coach Izzo helped maintain the high expectations in East Lansing. The Spartans are a game that every team in the country circles on their schedule, every team and coach wants their win on the resume. Every night out the Spartans get the teams they are playing best shot, and they always have a target on their back. That is why their track record and their ability to consistently stay on top puts the program in the rarest of company.

The Spartans finished last season with a 30-5 overall record, but they suffered an early defeat in the NCAA tournament. This year the team looks to be better overall and looks poised to make a deep run in the tournament. Anyone who follows the sport knows that the NCAA tournament is mostly about matchups as opposed to seeding. Getting a higher seed is always advantageous due to the games being in closer proximity to the schools’ campus.

This gives the target fan base a chance to watch their team on the highest stage up until the Final Four. The Final Four location is always pre-determined. What makes this Michigan State team different from years past?  Why can this team make a magical run in March?