Bleacher Report - Articles by Patrick Michael

Michigan State-Idaho: Spartans Win Easily, Show Depth Will Be Strength

Patrick Michael — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 14:34:03 -0500

Michigan State proved the two preseason games were no fluke by beating Idaho 100-62, playing 15 players in doing so.

The team looked as strong against legit Division I talent as it did versus Division II, scoring 100 points for the third time this year and ending Idaho's streak of almost 500 games holding opponents under 100 points.

Despite being uncharacteristically outrebounded, 33-31, MSU was able to prevail with superior defense and scoring.

Chris Allen picked up where he left off against Memphis in March. Allen looked as sharp as ever and proved he is indeed the best shooter on the team. The 6'3" guard scored 21 points in the game.

Despite being scoreless for most of the first half, Raymar Morgan ended up with 21 points. He looked as athletic and versatile as last year, even starting at the four.

Center Goran Suton remained the go-to big guy with 10 points but looked weak in terms of positioning, allowing the offense lots of second chances.

Speedster point guard Kalin Lucas played with reckless abandon with as much speed as ever. He showed that he will be a force to be reckoned with, scoring 13 points with nine assists and improved defense that would give even Ty Lawson fits.

Freshman Korie Lucious looked just as quick and nailed a few tough shots.

Heralded freshman Delvon Roe showed he has some work to do, but he still played solid in his first real competitive game since his junior year of high school.

Marquise Gray showed more flashes of brilliance but still needs to work up to consistency. Gray had a powerful dunk and even showed his range, draining a 19-footer.

Senior leader Travis Walton nailed his first shot from the elbow and played great defense as usual. The team will need his leadership to keep focused all season.

Needless to say, in running full-court defense all game, the team will need to be deep and experienced. They do look strong enough to keep up with the heavyweights they have scheduled. The season will be tough, but it will just season them for March.

All-Time, All-NBA team

Patrick Michael — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:05:29 -0500

So I absolutely love this aspect of ranking all-everything teams. I have spent many a hours thinking about how many good teams there could have been and could be put together.

Usually they consist of present day teams, allowing the teams to be plausible. However, these team will put the greatest players of all time on the floor, all at once, making it an unstoppable force.

Sure the team will be absent of some big names. Some players won't make it, just because I purely don't like them. Some will make it because I simply enjoy watching them. Some players won't be in their prototypical position, but they will be justified.

The Starters

Oscar Robertson

Point Guard, 6'5", Cincinnati Royals/Milwaukee Bucks

The most versatile basketball player ever. Period. Magic comes close, but not that close. His height limited his versatility in terms of positions he could play, but that didn't limit his dominance.

The Big O was a winner at every level. He won two Indiana State Titles in high school. He took Cincinnati to two final fours. Won an Olympic gold. And an NBA Championship.

He's the only player in history to average a triple double for a whole season and averaged a triple double during his first five years in the NBA. He could score, 25.7 points per game for his career (without three-pointers.) His floor vision, unequaled, 9.5 assists per game. Rebounding, not a problem, superior positioning allowed him to grab 7.5 per game.

On this team, he'll bring playmaking abilities, pugnacious defense and enormous effort.

Michael Jordan

Shooting Guard, 6'6", Chicago Bulls

Big surprise, right? Actually, in my eyes almost. I get sick of people saying he's the best ever, no contest. But in reality it should be. 1-A Jordan, 1-1A Robertson, 1-AA Magic, in no particular order.

That being said, Jordan was a winner. Six championships with the Bulls. Plenty of scoring power.

The 5-time MVP averaged 30 ppg for his career, along with six rpg and five apg. That's right up there with the best of them. One year he even scored 37 ppg, that truly is a feat in the age he played.

On this team, he will be the go to scorer, that's all I would expect to see him do on this team.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson

Guard/Forward/Center, 6'9", Los Angeles Lakers

Magic was a winner at every level, just like The Big O. He won in high school. College. And the Pros.

What made Johnson so spectacular was his versatility. His height, knowledge, instincts and skill set made it possible for him to play every position on the floor. As a rookie, in the 1980 NBA Finals, Johnson started at center for the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, they won the game, and the series.

The 3-time MVP averaged 19 ppg, 11 apg and seven rpg and will be asked to to assist Oscar in spreading the ball evenly and commanding excellence from his teammates.

Bill Russell

Power Forward/Center, 6'10", Boston Celtics

Russell did what everyone wishes they could do. Win 11 NBA Championships in 13 seasons. He was their leader. Defensively he set the pace. Commanding the lane like no one else.

His defensive prowess is legendary and the 5-time MVP pulled down an astonishing 22 rpg in his career. His scoring and passing abilities weren't bad either, with 15 ppg and four apg.

On this team, he will be asked to do the same as he was on the Celtics. Shut down the lane, force the ball to the perimeter and don't allow the other team second chances.

Wilt Chamberlain

Center, 7'2", Philadelphia 76ers/Los Angeles Lakers

Wilt the Stilt was an all-around talent like Magic and The Big O packaged in a 7' frame. He is still the only player to score 100 points in a game and scored 50 118 times.

In his career he average 30 ppg, 22 rpg and four apg. His big man prowess was very similar to Russell, except with a hint of scoring. He and Russell are the only people to pull down 50 rebounds in a game and blocked shots weren't statistics yet.

The 4-time MVP will be asked to help Russell control the lane defensively and help Jordan shoulder the scoring load.

Reserves

(This is were it gets tricky, but I'm still limiting it to just 15 players)

John Stockton

Point Guard, 6'1", Utah Jazz

Purest of the point guards, he literally did little but pass and play defense. He is the all-time leader in assists and steals. Though his per games aren't too great (eight ppg, two spg, 10.5 apg), his longevity, durability, toughness and efficiency have gone unequaled.

He won't be asked to contribute to the scoring, just dish the ball to the prolific scorers on the team.

Karl Malone

Power Forward, 6'9", Utah Jazz

First off, his year on the Lakers doesn't count. Second, if John Stockton is playing, The Mailman has to be somewhere near by. A pick and roll with the two became one of the most unstoppable forces of all-time.

Malone is second all-time in scoring, and averaged 25 ppg in his career on 51.6 percent shooting. He wasn't too shabby at rebounding either, 10.1 per game. He's a good shooter from outside, which made him hard for burly forwards to defend.

Malone will be called upon for clutch post work, aggressive play and hard work.

Hakeem Olajuwon

Center, 7'2", Houston Rockets

The Dream will add more defensive prowess to the team already anchored by Chamberlain and Russell. The most prolific shot blocker in history, with three a game, and a great rebounder, 11 per game, Olajuwon will be a welcomed addition if either of the starters get into foul trouble.

He''ll be asked to rebound, block shots and perhaps score a little bit as well, with a career average of 22.

John Havlicek

Guard, 6'5", Boston Celtics

Though Havlicek owns the record for most shots, his 20 ppg for his career makes up for that some what. Havlicek offered up superior defense at the guard spots in contrast to Russell's post.

The 8-time NBA Champion was an eight time selection to All-NBA Defensive teams, Havlicek is infamous for his his steal to seal 1965 Eastern Conference Final.

Havlicek will be called off the bench in order to shutdown the opposing teams best perimeter scorer.

Isiah Thomas

Point Guard, 6'1", Detroit Pistons

A hybrid point, Thomas was able to lead the Pistons to two titles despite playing against Bird's Celtics, Magic's Lakers and Jordan's Bulls.

Thomas could score, 19 ppg, pass, nine apg, and play defense, two steals per game. But he was known for his heart, will and tenacity.

The team would call on Thomas mostly when it counted. He once scored 16 points in 94 seconds. His clutch performances could propel any team to overcome any deficit.

Pete Maravich

Guard, 6'5", New Orleans Jazz

We're going mostly on his prolific college days where he still stands as the all-time Division 1 scorer, with an outstanding 44.2 ppg. Not to mention whenever I watch my dad play basketball, he reminds me of Pistol Pete.

An out-burst of 68 points in a single NBA game shows that his college skills were no fluke. In his NBA life-span he scored 24 ppg, shooting 44 percent from the field, including 10-15 from three pointers in his only season with the arc.

He would be called upon as a three point specialist and too add a rebound or two, as indicated by his 5.4 rpg.

Dominique Wilkins

Forward, 6'8", Atlanta Hawks

Every team needs an explosive player. And that is just want The Human Highlight Film is.

He can turn any break away, even open floor, into an amazing in game dunk and will be called upon to liven up the team if motivation is down.

Julius Erving

Small Forward, 6'7", Philadelphia 76ers

Dr. J will be used similarly to Wilkins, a exciting player who can charge up the team.

His dunks and athletic lay-ups and post work will be used to get around bigger post defenders and allow the big guys to worry about rebounds. His tomahawk jam and 'fro will bring a welcomed addition of style to the team.

Wes Unseld

Center, 6'7", Washington Bullets

Can you ever have too many amazing defenders? No, haven't you ever heard defense wins championships. Unseld, despite his size was a terrific low-post defender.

Superb positioning and determination made his physical game successful against the other center in the heyday of big men.

In today's game, refs call more and more wimpy fouls, meaning more subs will be needed. Unseld fits the mold to adequately replace Chamberlain, Russell and Olajuwon.

Clyde Drexler

Guard/Forward, 6'7", Portland Trail Blazers

Drexler, like Wilkins and Dr. J, was an above the rim staple. His fluid play and amazing finishing skills garnered his nickname 'The Glide.'

Like the rest of the combo players on the team, The Glide will be asked to provide a mix of skills to the team and allow the starters a break, without losing any talent.

Sorry to all of the great players who were left off the list. It was either because I didn't like your style of play, felt your style wasn't fitting of the team's chemistry or just plain didn't make it. Also, active players were not eligible on my team.

Spartans Dominate MSU All-Everything Team

Patrick Michael — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 05:42:18 -0500

Over the last decade Michigan State basketball and head coach Tom Izzo have turned out countless talents in the college game.

This talent, sadly, has rarely translated to the NBA and forced many of the superior athletes from MSU to forego basketball as a career or cross the Atlantic to Europe.

This team will be made up of currently active Spartans, wherever they may be in the world at the moment. Many former Spartans are superior athletes with speed, quickness, and long distance scoring abilities.

I'll do my best to keep it to the 15-man Roster Limit. A couple of players might need to go on the IR.

Starters

Drew Neitzel

Point Guard, 6-foot, Artland Dragons

It was a mild surprise when Neitzel wasn't taken in the draft. The combo guard has moved onto Germany to continue his football career.

Neitzel gets the nod over Eric Snow and Mateen Cleaves at the point due to his bounding energy and high-scoring abilities. He can spot up and hit the trey better than many "points" and truly adds, with excellent floor vision, a fifth true scorer on the floor.

Morris Peterson

Guard/Forward, 6'7", New Orleans Hornets

An All-American and National Champion at Michigan State was taken in the first round of the draft by Toronto and has comparable leadership and dedication skills to Cleaves.

Peterson has put up 38 points in a game in the NBA, and has averaged a steady 11.5 points per game in his career without having to be a go-to guy. He has excellent floor vision, which means the team will be full of playmakers.

Jason Richardson

Guard/Forward, 6'6", Charlotte Bobcats

An explosive basketball player who has been criticized for his selfish play. But on a team of former teammates and fellow Spartans, the flashy, high-flying Richardson will be a go-to scorer and can pass the ball when double or triple teamed.

Richardson has seen a steady 18.8 ppg, 3.2 apg and 5.4 rpg at shooting guard/small forward in his career and will surely go up in this offense, which would run the floor and allow Richardson to show his leaping skills.

Al Anagonye

Power Forward, 6'10", Los Angeles D-Fenders

Power forward will be the one weak spot on this team in terms of scoring. However, it will be the defensive stalwart that the team will need to keep the low-post clear of a high scorer.

Anagonye spent five years at Michigan State honing his leadership, defense, and rebounding skills. He will be the anchor for the team that will need a power player on the floor and can alter shots and create second chances.

Zach Randolph

Forward/Center, 6'9", New York Knicks

Randolph left State after his freshman season and has somehow had quite a bit more success in the NBA than those who left later in their career, even if his coaches haven't exactly liked his style.

Randolph, similar to Anagonye, will be a stalwart in the post and help guard the powerful forwards that the NBA has to offer. Randolph has career-high averages of 23.6 ppg and 10.5 rpg and can easily match or surpass those playing center on this team. In his final game as a Trail Blazer, Randolph scored 43 points and 17 rebounds, showing his potential.

Reserves

Eric Snow

Point Guard, 6'3", Cleveland Cavaliers

Snow will provide a veteran leadership to this team that will be absent despite several long-tenured NBA players.

On this team, Snow will not be called upon to score or rebound, but will provide a strong leadership presence, defense and, like many of the other guards and even forwards on the team, great playmaking skills.

Paul Davis

Center, 6'11", Los Angeles Clippers

Plenty of knocks can be made about Davis and center surely isn't the strong point on a team of superior athletes, but can score plenty of points.

Davis, on defense, would surely switch matchups with Anagonye and on offense force bigger centers out from the basket for 15-footers. In his senior year at State, he averaged 17.5 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 1.6 apg in a fairly dominant year in the low-post.

Shannon Brown

Combo Guard, 6'4", Charlotte Bobcats

Though he left college a year early and may have hurt his development, he has shown potential in the NBA. As a reserve, Brown as shown he can score in double digits against NBA defenders with his elite quickness.

At State, Brown showed his versatility often. He can spot up and hit the three ball, drive to the hoop, or dish the ball with the best of them. Brown has spectacular leaping ability and will show off some stunning dunks and rebound over larger forwards.

Maurice Ager

Guard/Forward, 6'5", New Jersey Nets

Ager, like Brown, is as versatile as they come. He can spot up, as one of the best pure shooters on the team, or run the floor and drive to the hoop for a dunk, or pass it out to another shooter.

His athleticism will be welcomed off the bench to add a spark whenever the team needs it.

Charlie Bell

Combo Guard, 6'3", Milwaukee Bucks

Bell went fairly unnoticed for many years, not even staying in the NBA, until two years ago. Bell came onto the scene in Milwaukee scoring 13 ppg, including several games of 30. His playmaking skills are on par with the rest of the team's guards and he brings leadership that allowed the Spartans to reach three Final Fours in his years at MSU.

Mateen Cleaves

Point Guard, 6'2", Bakersfield Jam

Though he has had little success in the NBA, Cleaves will bring leadership that can inspire anyone. His dedication to the team will rub off on the other players and allow the team to come back from any deficit. His defense and playmaking will also be welcomed off the bench.

Mike Chappell

Guard/Forward, 6'9", Adelaide 36ers

Though he transferred to State from Duke, he still gets on the list. His height and versatility make him a special commodity on the team. He can play the four and still step out and make his defender work. He can step out and hit the three or work for his points down low.

His knowledge and skills allow Chappell to play four positions and score in high amounts. He has a career high of 44 in the Australian League.

Alan Anderson

Guard/Forward, 6'6", Triumph Lyubertsy

Anderson, like Chappell, with superior knowledge and athleticism played four positions in college. At the next level, his height will limit him to three, but his ball skills, positioning, shooting, and instincts will make him a valued asset.

Chris Hill

Guard, 6'3", Bandirma Banvit

Not the prototype MSU guard, as he lacked the speed, athleticism and versatility that the others had.

On this team, his role would be limited to three-point specialist and occasionally defensive substitute. At MSU, he ran the point and his natural shooting guard spot and ranks second in MSU history with 245 three-point field goals, including 10 in one game versus Syracuse.

Erazem Lorbek

Forward/Center, 6'11", CSKA Moscow

Very Similar in terms of skills and size to Paul Davis. Left MSU after one season to go back to Europe. He is a prototypical European forward with good shooting, passing and, defensive skills.

Fairly week rebounding, but that is compensated with the two starting forwards.

NBDL

Kelvin Torbert

Guard, 6'4", Belgium

Once named High School Player of the Year, but took a step back in college, mostly because of an injury. Had great potential with explosive leaping abilities and great defensive skills. Shooting improved tenfold in college.

Marcus Taylor

Guard, 6'3", TBB Trier

Combined great ball-handling skills with great shooting to be a great guard. Left State early and ruined any NBA hopes.

Matt Trannon

Forward, 6'6", He doesn't play basketball

Okay, so he doesn't play basketball, he went for football, but that's still professional sports.

Despite the fact he's a offensive liability, his defensive presence, hustle, and rebounding are always welcomed on a team.

MSU Heads Into Promising Season

Patrick Michael — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:09:33 -0500

As the season creeps closer with a game against Idaho on Sunday, Tom Izzo is still shaken on what will be his starting lineup.

A few starters are in the obvious: Raymar Morgan, a preseason All-Big Ten selection, will start at small or power forward; Kalin Lucas, the lighting quick point guard, will start running the floor; And Goran Suton will finish out his career at MSU as the go to center.

The question is, who will fill out the rest of the lineup? With quick, high flying guards-Chris Allen, Durrell Summers, and Korie Lucious Izzo could run a small lineup with high scoring potential. The coach could also enlist defensive specialist and senior leader Travis Walton to set the pace of the game. Experienced forwards Idong Ibok and Marquise Gray also have an edge over heralded freshman Delvon Roe, who is coming off knee surgery.

A good bet is to see Walton and Gray on the floor. Walton is the most seasoned player on the team and Gray has shown brilliance and will hopefully bring a full season of greatness to the team. Not to mention having dead-eye shooter Allen and high scoring Summers, who scored 30 in a preseason exhibition, come off the bench would add a spark to any team in the nation.

The worrying of who will replace Neitzel as the leading scorer is pointless. Morgan possesses the ability to score high quantities in short periods of times. Summers and Allen, the same. Lucas is one of the quickest guards in the nation and can drive to the basket in a blink of the eye. Gray and Suton are solid low post scorers who can also step out and make 15-footers all game long. Roe looks to do the same.

A shortage of scoring will not be a possible downfall to a team ranked in the Top Ten by most polls and experts. The only thing that can bring this team down is a lack of experience. With six players in the rotation sophomores or freshman, the team will have bundles of youth. But with three fifth-year senior forwards, three-time captain Walton and consistent junior Morgan, the team has plenty of stability to lean back on in crunch time.

The Spartans also maintain yet another tough schedule. Games against Texas, Kansas, preseason number one North Carolina, and as always a brutal Big Ten season will test the team all year long and toughen them up for March.