Spartans report: Getting inside
 

The Sports Xchange
 
 
Getting inside · Strategy and personnel · Notes, quotes
 

Michigan State had high hopes coming into the season, talking about the possibility of not only winning the Big Ten championship but a national title.

The Spartans didn't reach those lofty goals. However, they did have a fine season as they went 27-9 before losing to Memphis 92-74 in the semifinals of the NCAA South Regional.

While Michigan State loses an all-Big Ten performer in guard Drew Neitzel and its all-time leading shot blocker in center Drew Naymick, the rest of the roster returns intact next season.

That means the Spartans and coach Tom Izzo should be primed for another trip to NCAAs and perhaps a deep run in March.

The top returnees will be sophomore forward Raymar Morgan and freshman guard Kalin Lucas. Morgan averaged a team-high 14.1 points a game and Lucas scored 10.2 points a game.

Michigan State will also have a presence inside in junior forward Goran Suton, who was one of the few bright spots in the loss to Memphis with 23 points and nine rebounds. Suton averaged 9.0 points and 8.2 rebounds.

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