Ayrton Oneill
The Michigan State Spartans have a strong basketball team, and their ranking is a topic of interest for many. Matt Norlander of CBS Sports ranked them 26th, just outside the top 25, and believes they have a chance of improving and becoming a strong contender. The Spartans have a positive outlook for the season, with notable players returning and an improved roster thanks to coach Tom Izzo's efforts. Their performance in the Big Ten conference and quad records will influence their ranking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ranking | 26 |
| Conference | Big Ten |
| Quad I Record | 15-6 |
| Quad II Record | 5-1 |
| Quad III Record | 6-0 |
| Quad IV Record | 4-0 |
| Roster | Improved |
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What You'll Learn
Matt Norlander of CBS Sports ranked MSU 26th
Matt Norlander, a senior writer for CBS Sports, ranked Michigan State University's (MSU) basketball team 26th in his annual preseason "Top 100 And 1 Best Teams" rankings. Norlander, a college basketball analyst and insider for CBS Sports, has been with the network since 2010 and is currently in his 14th season covering the sport.
In his 2024 rankings, Norlander placed MSU just outside the top 25, noting that the team had not had a seed better than No. 7 since 2019. He expressed uncertainty about the team's future, questioning how much longer head coach Tom Izzo would remain with the program. Despite this, Norlander predicted that MSU would qualify for its 27th consecutive NCAA Tournament and be a strong contender in the Big Ten conference.
Norlander's ranking of MSU at 26 reflects his cautious optimism about the team's potential. He acknowledged the program's history of success, including their appearance in the 2019 Final Four, but also recognized that their performance had slipped in recent years. By ranking them just outside the top tier of teams, Norlander indicated his belief that MSU could still be a competitive force in college basketball, but they would need to demonstrate improvement to return to their former glory.
Norlander's preseason rankings are highly anticipated in the college basketball world, as he is known for his exhaustive evaluation of teams and players. His rankings take into account a variety of factors, including statistical performance, coaching strategies, and player development. Norlander's analysis provides valuable insights for fans, coaches, and analysts alike, as they look ahead to the upcoming season and predict the teams to watch.
While some may disagree with Norlander's ranking of MSU at 26, his expertise and experience in covering college basketball lend credibility to his assessment. As the season progresses, MSU will look to prove themselves and climb up the rankings, but for now, they sit just outside the elite tier of teams in Norlander's preseason evaluation.
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MSU's roster improvements
MSU's basketball roster has seen a number of key improvements that could boost their ranking this season.
Firstly, the addition of several talented recruits is expected to have a significant impact on the team's performance. These recruits bring a mix of athleticism, skill, and versatility, addressing some of the previous weaknesses in the roster. Their ability to contribute on both ends of the court will be crucial, providing much-needed depth and allowing for more strategic substitutions and rotations.
Secondly, the returning players have shown notable development, with several key members making impressive strides during the off-season. This includes improved shooting, ball-handling, and defensive capabilities, which will be essential in tightening up the team's overall performance and creating a more well-rounded starting lineup.
Another improvement is the increased focus on team chemistry and cohesion. The coaching staff has emphasized the importance of playing as a unit, and the roster now includes players with strong leadership qualities and a commitment to facilitating the success of their teammates. This shift towards a more unified front is expected to pay dividends, especially during high-pressure situations and close games.
The roster has also addressed previous concerns about depth by adding quality players to the bench. This not only ensures that the team can maintain a high level of play throughout the game but also provides valuable insurance against injuries or foul trouble. The improved bench strength will allow the coaching staff to implement different strategies and adapt to a wider range of opponents.
Finally, the team has worked on diversifying their offensive strategies, developing a more well-rounded approach that includes a mix of inside and outside scoring threats. This adaptability will make it more challenging for opponents to defend against MSU and should result in more consistent scoring outputs.
With these roster improvements, MSU basketball is poised to make a strong showing this season and could see a significant boost in their rankings.
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MSU's ranking history
MSU, or Michigan State Spartans, has a rich history in basketball, with many notable achievements over the years.
Benjamin Van Alstyne coached MSU for 22 years from 1926 to 1949, making him third in career victories with 231 wins. Some of his most notable victories include a 27-26 win over Michigan in 1930 and a 66-50 upset over Kentucky in 1945. The Spartans joined the Big Ten Conference following the 1950 season. Pete Newell was hired as coach, and his 1951-52 squad was the first ranked Spartan team. Forrest "Forddy" Anderson took over as coach in 1954, leading MSU to its first Big Ten Championship in 1957. They advanced to the NCAA tournament for the first time in the school's history.
In 1995, Tom Izzo took the helm as coach of the Spartans. The team struggled in his first season, finishing with a 16-16 record. However, Izzo led the Spartans to their first national championship in 2000, with players Mateen Cleaves and Morris Peterson, along with sophomore Antonio Smith, who together were known as the "Flintstones". This was the first of two national championships for MSU. The second came in the 2000-01 season, when they beat the Florida Gators 89-76.
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The quadrant system
The number of Quadrant 1 wins and Quadrant 3/4 losses is very important when it comes to NCAA tournament selection and seeding. Beating a Top-30 Team at home is considered equally difficult as beating a Top-75 Team away.
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MSU's ranking in the Big Ten
Michigan State University (MSU) is a member of the Big Ten conference, which is one of the top athletic conferences in the country. The Big Ten has a strong reputation in basketball, with several talented teams competing for conference wins.
In the 2024-2025 season, MSU's basketball team, the Spartans, have had notable wins over Rutgers, Illinois, and Nebraska. Their win over Rutgers was their twelfth straight victory, which is an impressive feat. Following this win, MSU was ranked highly in the Big Ten basketball power rankings. Their win over Illinois was also significant, as it was a dramatic game that contributed to a turning point in the season and impacted the conference rankings.
MSU's performance in the 2024-2025 season has been strong, and they have a Quad I record of 15-6, a Quad II record of 5-1, a Quad III record of 6-0, and a Quad IV record of 4-0. The quadrant system is used to identify which teams have the most quality wins, and MSU's record in this system indicates their success.
While I cannot provide you with a definitive ranking for MSU in the Big Ten as of my knowledge cutoff of January 2023, their performance and wins indicate that they are likely ranked highly within the conference.
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Frequently asked questions
MSU Basketball, also known as the Spartans, was ranked just outside the top 25 at number 26 by Matt Norlander of CBS Sports. The Spartans have a 15-6 Quad I record, a 5-1 Quad II record, a 6-0 Quad III record, and a 4-0 Quad IV record.
Matt Norlander believes that the Spartans have a chance of having a productive season and expects them to qualify for their 27th straight NCAA Tournament. He also highlights the return of several notable players, including Jeremy Fears, Jaden Akins, and Tre Holloman.
MSU coach Tom Izzo expressed determination to improve the team's roster before the start of the season.
The ranking of MSU Basketball is influenced by various factors, including the team's performance, the quality of their wins, and the strength of their opponents. The quadrant system is used to identify which teams have more quality wins, with different rankings based on home, neutral, and away games.
