Michigan State Basketball: 5 Facts Every Fan Must Know About 2014 Roster

Every team has stories, and the 2013-14 Michigan State Spartans are no different than the rest. 

When analyzing who's who on the roster, it's easy to point at physical attributes and statistics as "must-knows," but there is a lot more to the entire picture to consider. 

Spartans coach Tom Izzo has had a well-publicized career in East Lansing. Not exactly part of the "roster," Izzo is a staple of Michigan State basketball whose every move is watched by loyal Spartans fans. 

There are more than likely a few things about Izzo that even the most ardent Spartans fans aren't aware of. We'll take a look at those, along with other facts and figures, in this slideshow. 

This Team Could End Final Four Drought

Six Final Fours. 

Yeah, six of them—that's how many Tom Izzo has on his sparkling resume. 

The Spartans last appeared in the national semis in 2010, which seems like an eternity to a fanbase that's used to seeing Michigan State go deep into March almost every year.

This year, though, could be the end of the non-Final Four streak. 

Why? 

Izzo's longest stretch without a Final Four was from 2002-04 and from 2006-08. The Spartans made it to the 2009 national title game before falling to North Carolina.

So count the years. 2010, plus one, two and three—and there you have it: 2014.

2014 should be the time for another.  

Adreian Payne Is a Gentle Giant

He's devastatingly ferocious on the court, but Adreian Payne is far from a monster—he's a gentle giant, and one of his biggest (smallest, actually) fans proved that this past season. 

Lacey Holdsworth, a seven-year-old cancer patient, showed her true colors in a Big Ten Network feature story during the Spartans' March Madness run. 

The 6'10" senior-to-be shed his reputation of being a conquering force on the court only to turn into a big-hearted softy for his pint-sized friend. 

Payne was incredibly close to his grandmother, who finished raising him in Dayton, Ohio. Instead of declaring for the NBA draft, Payne chose to stay at Michigan State and complete his senior year—a promise he made to his grandmother. 

He can get a little nasty when swatting opposing players' shots. He can get physical when fighting for a rebound or a basket. But make no mistake: Payne is as genuinely nice as they come. 

Gary Harris Is Essentially a Senior

Eligibility-wise, Gary Harris is a sophomore. 

However, after averaging 12.9 points per game (second behind Keith Appling) as a freshman in 2012-13, Harris proved that he was much more than a first-year player—he's a star in the making. 

This year will probably be Harris' final session under Izzo, essentially making him a "senior" for all intents and purposes.

Going out with a win is a common goal for all players who wish to complete a great collegiate career, so watch for Harris to take the reins of the offense, act like a senior and become the go-to scorer for the Spartans. 

Colby Wollenman Isn't Just a Walk-on Hoopster—He's an All-Around Athlete

He's spent two years with Izzo's program as a walk-on and scout team member, but a lot of Spartans fans aren't quite familiar with Colby Wollenman, a 6'7", 225-pound forward from Big Horn High (Wyo.). 

Considering the situation that Mark Dantonio has at quarterback, Wollenman may want to consider playing football, too. 

In high school, Wollenman was a three-year starter for Big Horn, throwing for over 3,700 yards with 34 touchdowns. 

Basketball and football weren't his only talents. Wollenman was also a soccer star and earned an award for multi-sport excellence in high school.

Keith Appling and Andreian Payne Aren't the Only Seniors

As mentioned in a previous slide, Gary Harris will be looked at as a "senior" because of his growth, maturity and the fact that this upcoming year will probably be his last as a college basketball player. 

So he makes three seniors, along with Keith Appling and Adreian Payne. 

But there's one more: Dan Chapman of Okemos, Mich. 

The Chieftains star guard/forward was the recipient of the Tim Bograkos (Flint Central) walk-on award in 2011-12. Bograkos epitomized a strong work ethic, so the name of the award is more than appropriate. 

The upcoming season will be Chapman's final call with Michigan State, barring injury, etc. Often overlooked because of lack of playing time, Chapman's contributions become more evident when watching the starters play—he's a valuable scout team member who prepares guys like Appling and Harris for Big Ten opposition. 

He'll get to kiss center court at the Breslin Center on Senior Day. 

Follow Bleacher Report's Michigan State Spartans basketball writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81.