Last season’s Michigan State Basketball squad ended their season on a disappointing note, this year’s Spartan team can learn from their mistakes and make a run at a Final Four and more.
Even though Michigan State Basketball has had a great season thus far this season, many naysayers and non-believers will point to last season’s disappointing 2nd round Tournament loss to Syracuse as a reason to be cautious. Those same fans, alums, and cynic non-believers will also say that last season’s team lost twice to Michigan and until the Spartans beat the Wolverines they will not begin to truly believe in this Spartans team.
Lastly, the naysayers may say that with the loss of two now NBA lottery picks, Michigan State does not have the talent to make it to a Final Four this season. Even though those points have validity and legitimacy, let’s look at why this season’s team has what it takes to make a Final Four run and has certain elements about them that separate them from last season’s team.
Comparing The Two Teams Accomplishments
Highlights of 2017-2018 Michigan State Team
30 Wins
Big Ten Regular Season Champions
Champions of the Victory Tournament of Phil Knight Invitational
Key Victories: North Carolina (PK80), UConn, Big 5 Conference wins: Notre Dame, Big Ten key wins: Maryland (Twice), Wisconsin (three times), Indiana (twice), Purdue, Iowa (away) and Ohio State (three times).
Key Contributors/Players now in NBA:
Miles Bridges (Charlotte Hornets), Jaren Jackson (Memphis Grizzlies)
Highlights of 2018-2019 Michigan State Team
18-2 Record
1st Place in the Big Ten
Champions of the Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational
Key Victories: Big 5 Conferences wins: Texas, UCLA, and Florida Big Ten key wins: Maryland, Purdue, Nebraska (away), Iowa (Twice) and Ohio State (away).
Key Contributors: Cassius Winston and Nick Ward