Big Ten Basketball: 10 most polarizing figures in Michigan-Michigan State rivalry

Honorable Mentions

For the honorable mention section, I would like to focus on the players that are still active in the rivalry. These guys have a chance to move up on the list by time they’ve finished their college careers:

• Nick Ward
  It really is unfortunate that Ward suffered a hairline fracture in his left hand during the Ohio State game – he’s a talented player that many Spartan fans appreciate due to his motor. Still, as a junior who likely will be staying all four years, he’s got plenty of opportunity to generate more love (and hate) from each fan base during his time in college.
• Charles Matthews
  We all remember that classic moment from last year’s Big Ten tournament game when the aforementioned Ward got up in Matthews’ grill and started jawing with him, all the while Matthews was sarcastically laughing in his face. Matthews has the gritty tenacity to be remembered positively by Wolverines and negatively by Spartans.
• Jordan Poole
  Every announcer and his brother (or sister) loves mentioning Beilein’s quote that Poole has “as overdose of swag.” He’s a quirky guy with a unique hairstyle and an inseam length on his shorts that would make Larry Bird blush. Combine that with his basketball skill, and we have all the makings of a future polarizing figure.