Michigan State Basketball: Spartans Who'll Take Biggest Leap Forward in 2014-15

Most of Michigan State's returning players from last season's Elite Eight team are specialists. Nearly all of them have something they must vastly improve within their skill sets.

As for the offseason, despite surrendering its top three scorers to graduation or the NBA, MSU has taken strides to improve. There have been reports that Tom Izzo is ecstatic with the team's progress. Much of that should be attributed to the collective work ethic of the squad.

So which Spartans will take the biggest leaps?

The following players have been selected based on past performance, improvement in the offseason and opportunities available for them in the 2014-15 campaign.

Travis Trice

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Travis Trice is the immediate successor to MSU's former point guard, Keith Appling, after he concluded his senior season. Trice has served as the primary backup point guard throughout his career.

Now, he's ready to make the leap.

Amidst Appling's incessant injuries were Trice's spectacular performances. He was forced to start several games. His play resembled that of a starter, as the 6-foot point guard averaged 34 minutes and nearly 10 points per game through a pivotal three-game stretch.

As the season's end neared, one could argue that Trice had supplanted Appling as the team's best point guard. Head coach Tom Izzo evidently leaned on Appling because of his experience, but Trice was an important asset throughout Sparty's postseason run.

With a summer of work and a new role waiting in the balance, Trice is poised to make a splash.

However, he's far from a perfect player. Trice is undersized and seems to avoid penetrating into the lane because of it. His sheer reliance on his jump shot can make him an inconsistent option despite shooting over 40 percent from three in every one of his seasons.

Spartan fans know Trice is capable. Awarded captainship this summer alongside Denzel Valentine, the senior guard will need to improve his overall offensive game in order to propel MSU deep into March. His most recent production and his leadership will help cement him as one of State's go-to guys.

Branden Dawson

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Much of Branden Dawson's 2013-14 campaign was disappointing. His broken hand in the middle of the season was representative of a frustrating season to date.

But when he finally returned, Dawson was a different player.

His activity was nonstop, and he was relentless on the glass. The undersized power forward dominated with athleticism, finishing everything around the rim. Defensively, Dawson was a tone-setter and staple of a stingy bunch.

Through the team's final seven contests, he averaged 15.7 points and eight rebounds per game. Dawson was named the Big Ten tournament's Most Outstanding Player. His entire temperament was noticeably different than earlier in the season when he struggled.

As for the upcoming season, Dawson should be a first-team All-Big Ten player. He needs to develop a consistent jump shot and must establish additional post moves, but his relentlessness and skill around the rim will equate to big numbers.

Dawson is as important as any Spartan in 2014-15. Look for the senior forward to officially assert himself as one of the premier players in the conference and continue his electric play from last season.

Matt Costello

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MSU fans would love to see Matt Costello develop into a serviceable center in 2014-15. After all, he and Gavin Schilling are the only options.

Sparty lost a massive part of its offense in Adreian Payne when the senior forward moved on to the NBA. Clearly, Costello isn't capable of going for 41 points in a game like his predecessor, but he can still present himself as a viable option.

He's got the size. At 6'9", 240 pounds, Costello is a load in the paint. His 1.3 blocks in only 14.7 minutes played per game is a testament to his rim-blocking ability. He must improve the most on offense.

Aside from just finishing dump-offs for layups, he hasn't proven his worth offensively. Now, with an enhanced role, and likely a starting one, he will improve from his pedestrian numbers this season. Costello showed flashes last season, such as his 11-point, 12-rebound performance at Iowa.

Playing beside Branden Dawson, Costello will improve immensely in the coming season.