Since Cassius Winston graduated in 2020, Michigan State basketball hasn’t been quite the same and the numbers prove that.
On Sunday afternoon, Michigan State basketball lost yet another brutally close game falling to the Hoosiers 65-64. Unfortunately, it seems as though Spartan fans have grown all too familiar with this script.
Tom Izzo’s team entered the season ranked No. 4 in the nation, had hopes of competing for the Big Ten title and a run at a national championship. However, this season has been anything but hopeful. Finishing the regular season with a 18-13 record (10-10 conference play), and ending unranked isn’t what anyone expected and yet, not many are surprised.
Before COVID shut down the 2019-20 season, Michigan State seemed to have as good a chance as anyone to win it all. With Cassius Winston at the helm and playing as good as a Michigan State point guard could, that season will always be one of the greatest “what ifs” in Spartan history. That year was as good a chance as any for Izzo to win his second title.
Unfortunately, the trajectory of Michigan State basketball has been moving in the wrong direction ever since. Even with high ranking classes and returning seniors, the Spartans have been consistently disappointing. But how bad is it?
Michigan State has a conference record barely over .500 (41-38) since Cassius Winston kissed the court in East Lansing. They’ve finished their fourth consecutive season as an unranked team for the first time ever in the Tom Izzo era and the first time since 1984.
These number tell an ugly tale. Throughout this season, Izzo has given multiple indications that he doesn’t plan on retiring after this season or anytime soon for that matter. Make no mistake about it, the Hall of Fame coach deserves to leave East Lansing on his own time. However, what we’re currently witnessing is unacceptable by this programs own standards that were forged by Izzo himself.
The Spartans have an uphill battle in the Big Ten Tournament. If they advance beyond Minnesota, they’d face Purdue for the second time in two weeks. Although, this time without Mackey Arena behind them. It’s not likely the Spartans go far in Big Ten Tournament, but making any type of run in the NCAA Tournament would help at least minimize the angst in the fanbase. The reality is though, anything outside of a Final Four appearance this season is a disappointment compared to preseason expectations.
With each passing loss this season, it’s beginning to feel like next year is a make or break season for Izzo and his staff. Will they finally drop the stubborn act and jump into the portal for a starting-caliber center? Will they consistently utilize high talent players that still need development such as Xavier Booker and allow them to grow on the court? With another strong recruiting class coming in next year, this trend cannot continue.
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