THREE UP OR DOWN: #2 MICHIGAN STATE BASKETBALL AFTER 31 GAMES
THREE UP OR DOWN: #2 MICHIGAN STATE BASKETBALL AFTER 31 GAMES
Three up or down: the three Parts of the #2 Michigan State basketballthat are trending up or down now.
- UP Tom Izzo In the interest of full disclosure I not only cover Tom Izzo, but he is a dear friend. A real friend. He has had some great people that have played for him, but this is not only his most talented team, but top to bottom his best group of kids he has had as people. The Hall of Famer has held this team together while facing a barrage of media attention that is both disappointing and sad. You can celebrate this title as a Spartan fan, I celebrate it for my friend and these young people.
- UP Cassius Winston Cassius Winston scored 20 points and went 6 for 6 from the 3-point line. Winston talked of his game in the face of the adversity coming at this team and he said, “Just another obstacle. I think this year has just been filled with obstacles of things that weren’t really in our control.” I asked Izzo about how this young star has improved and he told me, “Cassius has improved enormously. I’m proud of him, because like every coach goes with different players, sometimes a player or people don’t like the way you push them. But they believe in you, you believe in him, they get better, you get better, the kid gets better. And that’s exactly what’s happening with Cassius Winston and, in all honesty, our basketball team.”
- UP The Spartans MSU (28-3, 16-2 Big Ten) Enough said. It was the 12th win in a row for Michigan State. This is Michigan State's first outright Big Ten Regular Season title since 2009. "I felt like everything we've been through, these guys have showed some incredible mental toughness and persevered through. There was some championship DNA in there. I just think we’re a little mentally worn down from all the things they’ve been through. Handling the adversity that they’ve handled I think is going to make them better men for the next 60 years.”
EXTRA POINT: Miles Bridges is a young man that turned down millions as an NBA lottery pick. The word of a man of questionable character was used to hound him by a ravenous media. Spartan Nation reported on Friday that he and Izzo were fine.
This was made large to generate clicks and to cause hysteria. Nothing less. While I am a media member I am sad about where many in my profession have taken our business. Whether it is sports, politics or even weather, telling the truth anymore is lost for the next headline and click bait score.
I want the media to be tough, but I want them to tell the truth. Miles Bridges has endured this much better than most grown adults. He stands on his Christian faith and this proves even more what makes him special as a leader, player, and person.
Cassius Winston said after the win, "We know the type of person he is, we know the things that he would and wouldn't do. The whole world's trying to bash him, we just feel bad for him. But he kept his head high and we supported him the whole way through."
Bridges said, "I haven't (Broken NCAA Rules) My mom hasn't. It's as simple as that. If I wanted some money I definitely would have went to the NBA.”
Want the latest breaking MSU news delivered straight to your email for FREE? Sign up for the DAILY Spartan Nation newsletterWHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE! Don't miss any of the latest up the second updates on Michigan State Sports when you follow on Twitter @HondoCarpenter
