Spartan Hoopla: The MSU Basketball Team Has a Little "Captain" in 'Em

With Kalin Lucas playing up to his advertised potential and Draymond Green emerging as Lucas' lieutenant on the hardwood, it may be easy for fans to forget about one minor-detail: Raymar Morgan.

Morgan, the 6'8" senior forward out of Canton, OH was projected to be one the all-time greats to ever suit up in the green and white.

Mononucleosis shortchanged Morgan last season at the worst possible time—the heart of MSU's Big Ten schedule.

After a slow start in 2009-10, the "Captain" was shoved to the back-burner and the focus was put directly on Green and Lucas.

That's not the case now.

Morgan has put up double-digit point totals in his last four games, most recently against in-state rival Michigan (season-high 20 points)—his best showing of the year. 

It's not just Morgan's scoring-touch that has been missed, he's also an exceptional rebounder (5.6 rpg).

Coming through when it counts seems to be the theme of the Michigan State Spartans this year, its players have pounded themselves on the chest and taken full responsibility for leading it back to Final Four glory.

Morgan has come to the fore-front and let East Lansing know that he's still a viable leader.

Morgan is more than athletic, he's a born-scorer.

His length, size, vertical leap, and strength are the perfect ingredients for a grade-A-bucket-filling-threat.

As a sophomore, Morgan averaged nearly 15 points per game—the sky was the limit, or so it appeared.

A so-so illness plagued junior year wasn't exactly something to write home about, although Morgan did have his moments.

The "Captain" has gained a new head-of-steam in the last ten days, his production proves it.

Jan. 16 vs. Illinois (undefeated in the Big Ten at the time): 14 points.

Jan. 20 vs. Iowa: 16 points.

Jan. 23 vs. a scrappy Minnesota: 17 points.

And finally, just two days ago against Michigan: 20 points.

If Izzo needed someone besides Green and Lucas to step-up, it's Morgan.

The Spartans continue to roll in the Big Ten (8-0, 18-3), they are out to their best conference start in school history.

Morgan will have to extend his maniacal four-game scoring streak for the remainder of the season—giving State's competitors someone else to worry about other than Lucas and Green.

If there was ever a doubt about Morgan's commitment or reverence to his team, let them be swept under a rug and forgotten about—the "Captain" is back.