After a year in which Michigan State did not live up to preseason expectations, head coach Tom Izzo welcomes some new faces in new places in East Lansing.
Guard Keith Appling will slide over to the point guard in replacing Kalin Lucas. Izzo said Appling wasn't recruited to play point guard but losing Korie Lucious to Iowa State last season has forced that.
Just like Illinois with Sam Maniscalco (Bradley), Michigan State welcomes transfer Brandon Wood (Valparaiso). Wood, a shooting guard, will be eligible immediately and was the third leading sorcerer in the Horizon League conference last season.
Senior forward Draymond Green returns after playing for Team USA over the summer in China. Izzo called Green one of the best leaders he has ever had and one of the most intelligent guys he has ever coached. Izzo went on to say Green has improved his body and is a 'consummate college player right now.'
Freshmen forward Brandon Dawson and guard Trais Rice were singled out by Izzo as two first-year playres who will make an impact for the Spartans.
As always, MSU plays a brutal non-conference schedule with Duke, Gonzaga and North Carolina on tap in the first month of the season.
