Spartan Hoopla: Michigan State's Draymond Green Is More Than a Sixth-Man

Spartan basketball fans know who runs the show in East Lansing—Kalin Lucas.

Tom Izzo's club thrives on the 6'1" point-guard's success, but it proved that it could win without him in 2010's installment of March Madness.

Michigan State lost "Too Easy" against Gary Williams' Maryland Terrapins, but went on to end Northern Iowa's tournament dreams and topple Bruce Pearl's Tennessee Volunteers in the Elite 8.

Without Lucas, the Spartans traveled to where many said they couldn't—the Final Four in Indianapolis.

Now, rewind back to late December-early January.

Amidst the problems of on-court leadership, Saginaw native and sophomore Draymond Green emerged as one of Sparty's new go-to-guys.

It wasn't just Green's play, nor was it his vocal approach to rallying his teammates the year prior; it was his presence that led his team.

Green's physical presence, obedience to his coach and commitment to the game of basketball made him Michigan State's second floor-general.

Of course, averaging nearly a double-double per game helped his cause (9 pts, 8 reb), but the 6'6" forward is capable of more than just filling a stat line.

His ball handling ability, and willingness to distribute just add to what State fans already know about the former Saginaw High standout.

He's an up-and-coming premier player and Spartan commander.

Green's reputation amongst the Michigan State faithful has continued to grow to epic proportions since his stellar season as a beyond-his-years-frosh. He followed directions, he didn't question his coach, and he played a fundamentally-sound game.

Every game.

The junior-to-be was the Big Ten's Sixth-Man of the Year in 2010. He seldom started a game, but he played starter minutes (25 per contest in the regular season, 27 in the NCAA Tournament).

He came off the bench when needed and contributed in ways many of his teammates couldn't.

Green's role in 2010-11 will likely be identical to that of his sophomore session. He will be asked to be physical.

He can do that.

He will be asked to be another set of eyes for Izzo on the floor.

He can do that, too.

And if need be, if Lucas or Korie Lucious are unable to bring the ball up the floor, Green can do that as well. He has become the new poster-boy of the hybrid point-forward position; which has earned the Spartan national attention and praise.

Entering his senior year, Lucas will be expected to lead Michigan State to its seventh  Final Four in 13 years. There are no reasons why he can't. Lucas has carried Michigan State through the war zone known as the Big Ten regular season for two years. He helped pave the way for back-to-back Big Ten Championships, and was the catalyst to MSU's to 29-7 regular season record over that time span.

Lucas has also led his troops through the battle grounds known as March Madness for two consecutive springs.

The former Orchard Lake St. Mary's star can do it all for the Izzo clan, but with the emergence of Green; he may not have to next season.

As seen on Barking Carnival's "Sparty On" blog.