Men's Basketball Opens NCAA Tournament On Friday Night
3/16/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 16, 2005
EAST LANSING, Mich. -
No. 5 Michigan State (22-6)vs. No. 12 Old Dominion (28-5)
March 18, 20059:40 p.m. ESTWorcester, Mass.DCU Center (14,800)
Radio: Spartan Sports Network - Will Tieman (Play by Play), Gus Ganakas (Color). Flagship - WJIM (97.5 FM/1240 AM)
TV: CBS - Gus Johnson (Play by Play), Len Elmore (color)
The Opening Tip
Winners of 19 of its last 23 games, Michigan State opens the NCAA Tournament as the No. 5 seed in the Austin Region. The Spartans have a first-round meeting with No. 12 seed Old Dominion. The Monarchs earned a bid by winning the Colonial Athletic Association tournament. Appearing in their eighth consecutive NCAA Tournament, the Spartans own the longest current streak in the Big Ten. The winner of the MSU/ODU contest will face the Syracuse/Vermont winner on Sunday afternoon.
MSU Game Notes
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The Starting Five (And A Sixth Man)
Eight Straight NCAA Appearances - Michigan State is making its school-record eighth straight NCAA Tournament appearance. It is the longest current streak among Big Ten schools and tied for seventh longest in the nation. Only Arizona (21), Kansas (16), Cincinnati (14), Kentucky (14), Stanford (11) and Duke (10) have longer current streaks. Oklahoma State is also making its eighth consecutive trip.
MSU In The NCAA Tournament - Michigan State is making its 19th appearance in the NCAA Tournament with a record of 36-17 in its previous 18 tournaments. MSU has made five trips to the Final Four (1957, 1979, 1999, 2000, 2001) and captured the NCAA Championship in 1979 and 2000.
MSU In Opening Games - In its 18 NCAA Tournaments, Michigan State has a record of 14-4 in its first game of the tournament. Since the field expanded to 64 teams in 1985, the Spartans are 10-4 in the first round. Tom Izzo is 5-2 in first-round games.
Exclusive Company - Michigan State ranks eighth among all schools in NCAA Tournament winning percentage for teams with at least 20 tournament games. MSU's .679 winning percentage (36-17) trails only Duke (.764, 81-25), UCLA (.734, 80-29), Kentucky (.699, 93-40), UNLV (.698, 30-13), North Carolina (.695, 82-36), Kansas (.689, 73-33) and Indiana (.682, 58-27).
At His Best When It Counts - Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo owns the second-best NCAA Tournament winning percentage among active coaches at .760 (19-6), ranking only behind Duke's Mike Krzyzewski (.790, 64-17). (See page 5 for a list of the top five active coaches.)
MSU As A No. 5 Seed - This is the fourth time in school history that Michigan State has been the No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament. In 1986, MSU defeated No. 12 Washington (72-70) and No. 4 Georgetown before falling to No. 1 Kansas (96-86, OT). The Spartans were the No. 5 seed in back-to-back seasons in 1991 and 1992. In 1991, MSU defeated No. 12 UW-Green Bay (60-58), but lost to No. 4 Utah in double overtime (85-84). One year later, MSU defeated No. 12 Southwest Missouri State (61-54) before falling to No. 4 Cincinnati (72-65).
NCAA Tournament Notes
Spartan Opponents In NCAA Tournament - Ten of Michigan State's opponents, including six non-conference teams, from the 2004-05 season are in the NCAA Tournament. The list includes Delaware State, Duke, George Washington, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Oakland, Stanford, UCLA and Wisconsin. The Spartans were a combined 8-5 against the field of 65.
MSU In Second Round - Since the NCAA Tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985, Michigan State has advanced to the second round 10 times. MSU has a 7-3 record in second-round games, including five straight wins.
Two Titles Not Too Shabby - Michigan State is one of just 13 schools to have won two or more NCAA Championships. Cincinnati, Connecticut, Kansas, Louisville, North Carolina State, Oklahoma State and San Francisco join MSU with two titles. Only Duke (3), North Carolina (3), Indiana (5), Kentucky (7) and UCLA (11) have won more titles.
Old Dominion Notes
About Old Dominion - Old Dominion finished 28-5 overall and 15-3 in the Colonial Athletic Association, good for first place in the conference. The Monarchs received an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, winning the CAA's postseason tournament with an overtime victory over Virginia Commonwealth.
Coach Taylor - Blaine Taylor (Montana, '81) is 212-113 in his 11th season as a collegiate head coach, including 70-48 in four seasons at Old Dominion. Prior to coaching the Monarchs, Taylor was an assistant coach at Stanford from 1998-2000. Before that, he was the head coach at Montana for seven years (1991-1998) and the assistant coach at his alma mater from 1987-1991. He was recruited by former MSU and Montana coach Jud Heathcote to play at Montana.
Spartans vs. Monarchs - Michigan State and Old Dominion have never met in basketball. The Spartans are 2-1 all-time against current members of the Colonial Athletic Association, going 2-0 against George Mason, including a 66-60 victory this year, and 0-1 against Virginia Commonwealth.
Scouting the Monarchs - Old Dominion is making its eighth appearance in the NCAA Tournament and its first since 1997. The Monarchs are 2-7 in tournament action ... Most recently, No. 14 ODU lost to No. 3 New Mexico, 55-51, in the first round of the 1997 tournament ... ODU's roster features just one senior (guard Kiah Thomas) and three juniors (guard Isaiah Hunter, center Janko Mrksic and forward Alex Loughton) among mostly sophomores and some freshmen ... The Monarchs recorded a school-record 28 wins this season, which also marks the second best in conference history ... Old Dominion won 10 of its last 12 games.
Old Dominion Vs. The Field - Old Dominion has not met any of the teams slated for NCAA Tournament action yet this season.
Common Opponents - George Mason is the only common opponent between MSU and ODU this season. Michigan State defeated George Mason, 66-60, on Dec. 5 in the BB&T Classic in Washington D.C. Old Dominion met George Mason twice in the regular season. The Monarchs posted a 71-58 victory over the Patriots on Jan. 15 in Norfolk, but lost, 82-76, at GMU on Feb. 16.
Syracuse Notes
About Syracuse - The 2005 BIG EAST Champion Syracuse finished the season 27-6 and 11-5 in its conference, good for a tie for third place behind Boston College and Connecticut. This marks Syracuse's 24th NCAA berth in 29 years, including winning the national title in 2003.
Coach Boeheim - Jim Boeheim (Syracuse, '66) is in his 29th season at Syracuse with a record of 703-240. Boeheim ranks fifth among active Division I coaches in winning percentage (.745) and is a Finalist for election into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2005.
Spartans Vs. The Orange - Syracuse leads the all-time series with Michigan State, 9-7. The Orange have won three straight games, including a 96-83 victory in Syracuse last season. MSU, however, won the only previous meeting in the NCAA Tournament, a 75-58 victory in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2000 tournament. In that contest, SU led 34-24 at halftime and by 11 points with 15 minutes remaining, only to watch MSU close the game on a 37-9 run, scoring the last 17 points of the game.
Scouting The Orange - Syracuse won three straight games to capture the BIG EAST Tournament after closing the regular season losing five of its last nine games ... Forward Hakim Warrick was named a Second-Team USBWA All-American, averaging 21.4 points and 8.5 rebounds ... Guard Gerry McNamara has made 106 3-pointers this season.
Syracuse Vs. The Field - Syracuse played seven teams appearing in the 2005 NCAA Tournament, including two non-conference teams. The list includes Boston College, Connecticut, Mississippi State, Oklahoma State, Pittsburgh, Villanova and West Virginia. The Orange finished the season with a 5-6 record against the field of 65.
Common Opponents - Syracuse and Michigan State did not have any common opponents this season.
Vermont Notes
About Vermont - America East Champion Vermont finished the season 24-6 (16-2 America East) and earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, making its third straight tournament appearance.
Head Coach Tom Brennan - Tom Brennan (Georgia, '71) is in his 19th and final season at Vermont with a 263-275 record. Overall, he is 314-351 in his 23rd season as a collegiate head coach. In addition to leading his squad to three straight America East Championships, Brennan was named America East Coach of the Year in 1991, 1998 and 2002, as well as NABC District I Coach of the Year in 1991 and 2002.
Spartans Vs. Catamounts - Michigan State and Vermont have never met in basketball. The Spartans are 4-1 against teams currently in the America East Conference, including 2-1 against Maine and 2-0 against New Hampshire.
Scouting The Catamounts - Vermont is led by America East Player of the Year Taylor Coppenrath, who ranks second in the nation in scoring at 25.7 points per game ... Point guard T.J. Sorrentine was a first-team all-conference honoree and ranks 18th all-time in NCAA history with 343 3-pointers ... Vermont's roster features players from six different states and five different countries.
Vermont Vs. The Field - Vermont played three NCAA Tournament teams during its non-conference slate, losing at Kansas, North Carolina and Nevada.
Common Opponents - Vermont and Michigan State did not have any common opponents this season.
MSU Basketball Notes
Hill Recognized As Top Student-Athlete - On March 2, Chris Hill was named the 2005 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American of the Year, while repeating as a First-Team Academic All-American. Hill owns a 3.75 grade-point average in finance and is a member of MSU's Honors College. He was a first-team honoree in 2004 after earning third-team honors in 2003. He is the only three-time honoree in MSU history. At the beginning of the season, he was named the 2004 Playboy Magazine Anson Mount Scholar-Athlete of the Year. In recognition of this honor, Michigan State University received a $5,000 check for its general scholarship fund in Hill's name. Now in its 17th year, the purpose of the award is to call attention to the importance of scholarship combined with excellence in collegiate athletics and to honor an individual who personifies the best qualities of both.
Anderson In Exclusive Club - Alan Anderson needs eight rebounds to become just the fourth player in Michigan State history to record 1,000 career points, 500 career rebounds and 300 career assists. Anderson (1,139 points, 492 rebounds, 301 assists) is set to join Steve Smith (2,263 pts., 740 reb., 453 ast.), Charlie Bell (1,468 pts., 624 reb., 371 ast.) and Ken Redfield (1,212 pts., 625 reb., 314 ast.).
Spartans Off To Strong Start - Michigan State's 22-6 record is its best 28-game mark since the 2000-01 squad posted a 24-4 record in its first 28 contests and is tied for fifth best in school history. MSU also opened the 1977-78 and 1998-99 seasons with a 24-4 mark. In 1989-90, the Spartans opened at 23-5. The 1978-79 and 1994-95 teams also opened at 22-6.
Big Ten Stat Champions - With the conclusion of Big Ten Conference games, Michigan State led the conference in three major statistical categories, including field-goal percentage (.498), free-throw percentage (.792) and rebound margin (+9.1). This is the second straight year that MSU has led in field-goal and free-throw shooting, marking the first school to go back-to-back in both categories since the 1981-83 Indiana teams did it three straight years. The Spartans' .792 free-throw percentage is fifth best in league history. This is the seventh time in the last eight years and the eighth time in Tom Izzo's 10 seasons as head coach that the Spartans have led the Big Ten in rebounding margin.
All-Big Ten Spartans - Five different Spartans earned some type of All-Big Ten recognition when the teams were announced on Tuesday, March 8. Maurice Ager earned second-team honors from the coaches and third-team accolades from the media. Alan Anderson was just the opposite, finding a spot on the media's second team and the coaches' third team. Paul Davis was a third-team selection by both groups. Drew Neitzel was named to the All-Freshman Team and Shannon Brown was an honorable mention all-league selection by the coaches.
MSU In March - Michigan State is 32-11 in March since the 1998-99 season. For his career, Tom Izzo is 39-18 in March.
The Free-Throw Story - According to the most recent NCAA statistics, Michigan State ranks second in the nation in free-throw percentage (79.1 pct. through March 7). The Spartans are currently shooting 77.5 percent from the foul line, including five players who are shooting at least 80.8 percent. Among players with at least 30 attempts, Alan Anderson paces the way, connecting on 86.1 percent of his attempts (93-of-108). In fact, Anderson, Kelvin Torbert (85.1 percent), Shannon Brown (84.4 percent) and Maurice Ager (80.8 percent) rank first, second, third and fifth in the Big Ten in free-throw percentage. In conference games, Michigan State's 79.2 percent is the fifth-best percentage in Big Ten history. MSU is shooting 80.3 percent in games which it won and 67.7 percent in games which it lost.
Anderson Down The Stretch - In the last weeks of his Spartan career, Alan Anderson is playing his best basketball. After not scoring more than 18 points in his first 116 games, he has scored more than 20 points in three of the last five contests. Since the loss to Illinois, Anderson is averaging 16.7 points and 6.3 rebounds over the last 10 games. He was named Big Ten Player of the Week on March 7 after averaging 22.0 points and 8.0 rebounds, while shooting 61.5 percent in wins over Northwestern and Penn State.
Second-Half Shooting - Michigan State has shot 50 percent or better in the second half in eight of the last nine games, and in 14 of the last 19.
Big Ten Road Warriors - Michigan State finished with a 6-2 record on the road in Big Ten play this season. The secret to its success was its defense, as the Spartans held opponents to 39.2 percent shooting and just 60.1 points per game. No team scored more than 64 points in regulation (Indiana finished with 78 points in overtime). All six Spartan victories were by double figures, marking the first time a MSU squad has recorded six double-digit road victories in a Big Ten season.
Spartan Depth - Through 28 games, 10 Michigan State Spartans are averaging at least 9.6 minutes of action, including six players playing more than 22 minutes. No single player is averaging more than 26.4 minutes per contest. Michigan State is the only school in the Big Ten that does not have a single player averaging 30 minutes per game.
A Switch At The Point - After coming off the bench for the first 18 games of the season, freshman Drew Neitzel has started nine of the last 10 at point guard, with the lone exception coming on Senior Night. As a starter, Neitzel is averaging 4.3 points, 2.8 assists and 1.1 turnovers, compared to just 2.6 points as a reserve.
Balanced Scoring - Michigan State features four players averaging double figures in scoring, and two others averaging at least 9.4 points, led by Alan Anderson at 13.6 points per game. Until recently, MSU had been the only team in the nation with six players scoring in double-figures. By comparison, just three Spartans averaged in double figures last year, after Chris Hill was the only player to do so in 2002-03.
The 1,000 Club - Michigan State's roster features four players with 1,000-career points, including seniors Chris Hill (1,520), Kelvin Torbert (1,145), Alan Anderson (1,139) and junior Paul Davis (1,066). This is the first time that a single MSU senior class has produced three 1,000-point scorers and the first time in school history that a single Spartan squad has had four 1,000-point scorers. MSU is just the seventh team in Big Ten history and the 46th team in NCAA history with four 1,000-point scorers on the same team. For just five of the seven Big Ten teams, did all four players score all 1,000 points at that school. Since MSU reached this milestone, North Carolina and Illinois have also accomplished the feat, making for eight teams in Big Ten history and 48 in NCAA history.
Winning Comfortably - According to the most recent NCAA Stats (through games of March 7), Michigan State ranks fifth in the nation in scoring margin (+15.3). MSU's current margin of victory is +14.7. The Spartans have won 20 of their 28 games this season by double figures.
MSU's Prolific Offense - Michigan State's offense is averaging 78.1 points per game, leading the Big Ten and ranking 20th in the nation (through games of March 7). It is MSU's highest-scoring offense since the 1994-95 Spartans averaged 78.4 points, led by Shawn Respert's 25.6 points per game, and the highest of Tom Izzo's head coaching career.
Playing Like A Senior Should - With the addition of Drew Neitzel to help handle the point guard duties, Alan Anderson has been able to return to his natural forward position. The change has led to increased production, as he is currently averaging career highs with a team-best 13.6 points and second-best 5.4 rebounds, shooting a career-best 56.5 percent from the field. In Big Ten games, he led the team in scoring (14.4 ppg) and ranked second in rebounding (6.1 rpg). He has scored in double figures in 14 straight games, averaging 15.3 points and 6.1 rebounds in that stretch, including double-doubles vs. Iowa (2/5 - 11 pts., 11 reb.) and Penn State (3/5 - 22 pts., 10 reb.).
Spartans Share The Ball - One of the greatest traits of this Michigan State team is its unselfishness. Through 28 games, MSU is averaging 17.86 assists per game, ranking second in the Big Ten. The Spartans have recorded assists on 500 of their 776 baskets (64.4 percent).
Second Half Spurts - In 10 of the last 14 games, Michigan State has opened the second half with a run. Consider the following runs that MSU has used to open the second half (Penn State (3/5) - 16-2 over 5:47; Wisconsin (2/24) - 8-2 over 2:05; Minnesota (2/16) - 6-0 over 2:55; Michigan (2/12) - 20-12 over 8:50; Ohio State (2/9) - 9-2 over 3:43; Iowa (2/5) - 14-4 over 4:21; Illinois (2/1) - 7-2 over 1:07; Oakland (1/29) - 12-2 over 3:55; Michigan (1/27) - 8-0 over 2:10; Minnesota (1/22) - 7-2 over 1:56).
Hitting The Boards - Michigan State is doing a much better job rebounding the basketball this season than it did last year. The Spartans are out-rebounding their opponents by a +8.1 margin. According to the most recent NCAA statistics, they rank sixth in the nation (+8.5 as of March 7). They are also hitting the offensive glass, grabbing 11.86 offensive boards per game. MSU leads the conference in rebounding margin and ranks third in offensive rebounds. Rebounding is also a good indicator of the team's success. MSU is 21-3 when it out-rebounds its opponent, 1-3 when it is out-rebounded. In Big Ten games, MSU's margin is +9.1. The Spartans are out-rebounding their last nine opponents by an average margin of +10.1.
20-Win Seasons - With a 77-64 victory over Wisconsin, Michigan State recorded its 20th win of the season. It is the sixth 20-win season in the last eight years for the Spartans and the 14th in school history. In fact, of the 14 20-win seasons in Michigan State history, Tom Izzo has been involved with 11 of them, six as a head coach and five as an assistant to Jud Heathcote.
One For The Record Books - Alan Anderson turned in one of the best shooting performances in school history against Wisconsin (Feb. 24). He shot 10-of-10 from the field and 7-of-7 from the foul line en route to a career-high 28 points. Anderson joins Ron Charles (12-of-12; Jan. 24, 1980), Carlton Valentine (11-of-11; Dec. 2, 1986) and Bob Chapman (11-of-11; Dec. 2, 1977) as the only players in MSU history to shoot 100 percent from the field, taking at least 10 shots. Of those players, Anderson is the only one to also shoot 100 percent at the foul line. He is also the first player to shoot at least 10-of-10 in Breslin Center history.
Talking Defense - Michigan State's defense has been much improved this season. Spartan opponents are shooting 43.0 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from 3-point range, allowing just 63.4 points per game. In Big Ten games, the Spartans ranked second in the league in scoring defense (62.2 ppg) and fifth in field-goal percentage defense (.434).
Using The Bench - Michigan State's bench has outscored its opponent's bench in 24 out of 28 games. In fact, Spartan subs have scored 284 more points (10.14 per game). In 13 of the 28 games, MSU's bench advantage has been greater than 10 points, including seven of 18 or more. One reason for MSU's advantage is the experienced talent it brings off the bench with two All-Big Ten performers. Kelvin Torbert, a third-team All-Big Ten honoree in 2004, has been MSU's sixth man all season. Chris Hill, a second-team all-league performer in 2003 and 2004, has come off the bench in nine of the last 10 games.
Mr. Double-Double - Paul Davis has recorded a double-double in four of his last 10 games. The trend started with a 10-point, 12-rebound game at Iowa. In the next game, he scored 10 points and grabbed a career-best tying 12 rebounds vs. Ohio State, marking the first time in his career that he had recorded double-doubles in back-to-back games. He scored 14 points and grabbed 12 rebounds again against Minnesota. Most recently, he recorded 13 points and 11 rebounds vs. Wisconsin. He has recorded six double-doubles this season and nine in his career. Over the last 10 games, Davis is averaging 10.2 points and 8.9 rebounds.
Hill In Elite Company - Chris Hill (1,520 points, 435 assists) is just the fourth player in Michigan State history to record 1,400 points and 400 assists in his career. Mateen Cleaves (1,541 points, 816 assists), Scott Skiles (2,145 points, 645 assists) and Steve Smith (2,263 points, 453 assists) are the other three Spartans to accomplish this feat. Hill is also just the 24th player in Big Ten history to reach the milestone.
Hill Moves Up Career Scoring List - Chris Hill currently stands in 11th place on the MSU all-time scoring list at 1,520 points. With 22 points, he will move into the top 10, passing Mateen Cleaves (1,541).
Torbert Hits The Mark - After shooting 41.1 percent from the floor in his first two seasons, Kelvin Torbert is shooting 52.9 percent in his last two years. This season, he ranks second in the Big Ten in free-throw percentage (.851). In 2003-04, he was the only Big Ten player to rank in the top 10 in all three shooting categories, ranking 8th in field-goal percentage (.534), 1st in 3-point field-goal percentage (.484) and 6th in free-throw percentage (.800). His .588 3-point percentage in conference games in 2003-04 is the second highest mark in conference history.
Ager's Explosion - Maurice Ager is currently playing the best basketball of his Spartan career. Finally healthy for the first time in three seasons, Ager is having a very good junior campaign. He ranks second on the team in scoring, averaging 13.3 points per game, and third in rebounding with 3.8 boards per contest. He entered the season averaging 7.5 points for his career, shooting 39.2 percent, including 36.9 percent from 3-point range. His accuracy has improved greatly this season, shooting 48.6 percent from the field and 40.9 percent from 3-point range.
MSU In NCAA Stats - According to the most recent NCAA statistics (through games of March 7), MSU ranks in the top 10 in five categories nationally and in the top 20 in six categories. The Spartans rank 2nd in the nation in free-throw percentage (.791), rank 5th in scoring margin (+15.3) and assists per game (18.0), sixth in rebound margin (+8.5), 9th in field-goal percentage (.499) and 20th in scoring offense (78.4).
The Turnover Story - Taking care of the basketball continues to be a point of emphasis for the Spartans. Michigan State is 13-1 this season when committing fewer turnovers than its opponents, but just 9-5 when committing an equal number or more than the opposition. On the season, MSU is averaging 13.9 turnovers per game. MSU ranks third in the Big Ten in turnover margin (+1.71) and third in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.29).
Spartan Point Guards Value The Ball - Michigan State's two point guards, Chris Hill and Drew Neitzel, have done a remarkable job taking care of the basketball over the last 23 games. In that stretch, the two have combined for 165 assists and just 59 turnovers (Hill - 103 assists, 36 turnovers; Neitzel - 62 assists, 23 turnovers). In the last 19 games, Hill has recorded 86 assists and 28 turnovers, while Neitzel has recorded 58 assists and 21 turnovers in his last 21 games.
Taking Turns - Through 28 games, six different Spartans have led the team in scoring this season. Alan Anderson has done it 11 times, while Maurice Ager has done it eight times. Paul Davis has done it six times. Kelvin Torbert and Chris Hill have led the team in three games and Shannon Brown has done it once.
Hill's Ratio - Chris Hill currently leads the Big Ten with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.93-to-1. That number ranks first among Spartan point guards of the last 20 years, ahead of solid point guards like Mateen Cleaves (1.9 in his last three years); Mark Montgomery (2.3 as a junior), Scott Skiles (2.0 as a senior) and Eric Snow (2.5 as a junior and senior).
Big Ten Leaders - The Spartans lead the conference in six statistical categories, including scoring offense (78.1), field-goal percentage (.496), free-throw percentage (.775), rebounding offense (36.0), rebounding defense (27.9) and rebounding margin (+8.1). MSU ranks in the top three in 13 of 19 categories. Individually, Chris Hill leads the league in assist-to-turnover ratio at 2.93-to-1, while Alan Anderson paces the league in free-throw percentage (.861).
Hill For Three - Chris Hill is among the best 3-point shooters in MSU history. He ranks second in career 3-point field goals made (304) and career attempts (714) and sixth in career 3-point field-goal percentage (.425). Hill has made at least one 3-point field goal in 116 of 124 games in his career. His 304 career 3-point field goals rank fifth in Big Ten history, 28 behind Big Ten career leader Pete Lisicky of Penn State, and four behind Penn State's Joe Crispin (308) in fourth place.
He Can Pass, Too - In addition to all of his scoring and long-range shooting, Chris Hill is positioned to finish his career among the school's all-time leaders in assists. He currently stands in seventh place in MSU history with 435 career assists. Hill dished out a season-best nine assists against UNC Asheville and recorded eight assists against Stanford.
No Sophomore Slump - In 2003-04, Shannon Brown earned a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman team, averaging 7.9 points and 2.5 rebounds in 22.9 minutes per game. This season, he is averaging 10.4 points and 3.2 boards in 24.4 minutes per contest.
The Century Mark - Michigan State opened the season with three consecutive 100-point games for just the second time in school history (1963-64). Prior to this season, Tom Izzo's Spartans had topped 100 points just twice in his nine full seasons.
Winning The Right Way - In addition to excelling on the court, the Spartans are standouts in the classroom. Fourteen Spartans have received their undergraduate degrees over the last five years, including five each in 2001 and 2003.
The Golden Arches - Michigan State is becoming the home for McDonald's All-Americans. Over the past six seasons, seven McDonald's All-Americans have joined the Spartan squad, including Jason Richardson in 1999, Marcus Taylor and McDonald's All-American All-Star game MVP Zach Randolph in 2000, Kelvin Torbert in 2001, Paul Davis in 2002 and Shannon Brown and Brandon Cotton in 2003.
Home To Mr. Basketball - Five of the last six recipients of Michigan's Hal Schram Mr. Basketball Award, presented to the top high school player in the state, have gone on to wear a Spartan jersey. Jason Richardson (Saginaw Arthur Hill HS) won the award in 1999, followed by Marcus Taylor (Lansing Waverly HS) in 2000, Kelvin Torbert (Flint Northwestern HS) in 2001, Paul Davis (Rochester HS) in 2002 and Drew Neitzel (Wyoming Park HS) in 2004. While the 2003 winner did not attend MSU, Shannon Brown (Proviso East HS) captured Illinois' Mr. Basketball Award that same year.
Spartans In The NBA - Listed below is an update on seven former Spartans currently on NBA rosters: (Stats current through March 5)
Mateen Cleaves (Seattle): 10 GP, 1.6 mpg, 0.2 ppg, 0.2 rpg, 0.3 apg Morris Peterson (Toronto): 58 GP, 28.4 mpg, 11.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.8 apg Zach Randolph (Portland): 46 GP, 34.8 mpg, 18.9 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 1.9 apg Jason Richardson (Golden State): 49 GP, 38.4 mpg, 23.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.8 apg Steve Smith (Miami): 37 GP, 17.2 mpg, 7.9 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 1.5 apg Eric Snow (Cleveland): 56 GP, 21.8 mpg, 4.1 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 3.6 apg Kevin Willis (Atlanta): 28 GP, 11.3 mpg, 2.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 0.3 apg
