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Michigan State Basketball: Comparing the 2018-19 Spartans to last year’s squad

By Ryan Kay

COLUMBUS, OH - JANUARY 5: Head Coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans shouts instructions to his team in the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes on January 5, 2019 at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - JANUARY 5: Head Coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans shouts instructions to his team in the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes on January 5, 2019 at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 23: Matt McQuaid #20 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with his teammates after winning the championship game of the 2018 Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational basketball tournament against the Texas Longhorns at the Orleans Arena on November 23, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Michigan State defeated Texas 78-68. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 23: Matt McQuaid #20 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with his teammates after winning the championship game of the 2018 Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational basketball tournament against the Texas Longhorns at the Orleans Arena on November 23, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Michigan State defeated Texas 78-68. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

Why the Spartans are built for a Final Four run this year

There can be a very strong argument that not only has Winston and Ward improved from last season but that other players like Kenny Goins and Matt McQuaid have improved as well. Not to discredit the leadership of Tum Tum Nairin and the experience of Gavin Schilling but Goins and McQuaid this season not only are starters but they are key and impactful players to Michigan State’s on the court prosperity. There is no doubt that last season’s Spartan team had more talent from top to bottom.

However, this year’s team from the eye test has more composure, grit, resolve, and more energy. There is just something special about this season’s Michigan State team. Dare they be called a “Typical Tom Izzo Squad”? What that means is that Izzo seems to have more success with his teams that have a little less talent, more experienced, and appears to listen intently to every word that Izzo says. This Spartan team fits that mold.

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They are showing a ton of heart, calmness, and self-control, and most importantly the word quit does not appear to be in their vocabulary. This season’s team looks like a Final Four team and maybe Izzo can reclaim his title as Mr. March but only time will tell.

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