Korie Lucious Suspended: 10 Players Who Need to Step Up for Michigan State
The Michigan State Spartans were dealt a serious blow last week when it was announced that junior guard Korie Lucious had been removed from the squad for violating team rules.
Lucious was an important part of the offensive game plan, averaging 6.5 points and 4.1 assists per game.
The departure came at a terrible time for the Spartans, as head coach Tom Izzo finds his team struggling to live up to their No. 2 preseason ranking.
The Spartans have even lost their home court edge at the Breslin Student Center, narrowly escaping defeat at the hands of Indiana this past Sunday.
With Lucious' departure, it's all hands on deck. Coach Izzo will be looking for enhanced contributions from his remaining players as the team nears the end of conference play.
Kalin Lucas
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Kalin Lucas has made great strides since an Achilles injury ended his 2010 season last March.
The senior guard is the catalyst of the Spartans' attack, as the offense runs through him whenever he's on the court.
Lucas is averaging 15.6 points per game. A 40 percent three point shooter, the team also relies upon him as a consistent perimeter threat.
Having already faced his own personal injury adversity this past spring, it's a safe bet Lucas will do all he can to help the team overcome their current problems.
Keith Appling
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If freshman guard Keith Appling is looking to make a statement for his coaches and teammates, he'll have ample opportunity to do so.
Appling's minutes have increased of late, but he has yet to find his offensive stride. While he has reached double figures four times, his six points per game average is somewhat disappointing.
It's clear that Appling will be given more playing time in Lucious' absence, but if he doesn't step up Coach Izzo may look elsewhere for production.
Delvon Roe
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Junior forward Delvon Roe has been steadily improving in each season with the Spartans.
His tenacity on the boards is apparent. At 5.9 rebounds per game, he trails only Draymond Green for the team lead.
The Spartans will need Roe to continue to play well if the team is to succeed down the stretch.
Averaging a modest 7.2 points per game, he should get more chances to contribute to the offense in the coming weeks.
Roe certainly has the talent to make an impact.
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Adreian Payne
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Having been used sparingly thus far, center Adreian Payne has yet to make a significant impact this season.
The freshman has only seen more than 10 minutes of action in seven games. As of late, his minutes have significantly decreased and his production has been very minimal.
Payne has only averaged one point per game since the calendar turned to 2011.
If Coach Izzo decides to go big with his lineup and play the 6'10'' center more often, Payne's contributions would only increase the rest of the season.
He has the potential to help the team for years to come.
Austin Thornton
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Can Austin Thornton make an offensive impact for the Spartans? Probably not. Still, the 6'5'' guard could help the team succeed with some changes in his approach to the game.
The junior was used regularly during the Spartan's early schedule—he averaged around 15 minutes per game during the non-conference season. Since the team opened Big 10 play, however, Thornton's role has diminished.
If he's able to get back on the court on a regular basis, he may have a positive impact, even if his stat line won't reflect it.
Durrell Summers
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Senior Durrell Summers has been a leader for Michigan State during his four year tenure with the team.
If there's any Spartan who wants his team to rise to the occasion, it's Summers. The star guard averages 14 points and over 30 minutes per game.
His offensive potential is evident—he has scored over 20 points four times this season. With Lucious' departure, it's likely that Summers will have opportunities for even greater production.
Gerrick Sherman
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Averaging just three points, three rebounds and about 13 minutes per game, center Gerrick Sherman has been a relative non-factor for the Spartans this season.
If he sees more minutes and gains tenacity on the boards, the 6'10'' sophomore's rebounding ability could create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
It's a longshot that Sherman's numbers will change much this season, but Coach Izzo would likely welcome any help he can get.
Draymond Green
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Sophomore forward Draymond Green has been a bright spot this season for the Spartans.
Averaging 8.1 rebounds per game, Green leads the team's efforts on the glass. His strength on the offensive boards opens up opportunities for teammates, as he also leads the team with just over four assists per game.
Green has the potential to greatly improve his game. He may well be the most likely option to make up the shortfall presented by the loss of Lucious.
Derrick Nix
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Coach Izzo may find himself relying on the Spartans' inside game to replace Lucious' lost offense.
Sophomore center Derrick Nix has been used somewhat sparingly this season, averaging less than nine minutes per game.
Still, with his 270 pound frame he could provide some interior strength. If he's able to see more court time, it wouldn't be far fetched for Nix to provide ten points towards the cause on a nightly basis.
The Michigan State Faithful
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For years, visiting teams feared the Breslin Student Center. Michigan State rarely lost in front of their crowd—wins were all but assured when the home team took the court.
This year has been different.
The Spartans have already lost four games at home, including a stunning defeat at the hands of in-state rival Michigan.
The team has four remaining games at home, including two contests against ranked opponents (2/19 vs. No. 24 Illinois; 2/26 vs. No. 10 Purdue).
For the Spartans to avoid a disappointing trip to the NIT this spring, Izzo Nation and the MSU faithful must be key players down the stretch.
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.jpg?w=600 "Heisman candidate goes undrafted, accepts camp invite")
