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LGHL Ohio State offers in-state 2025 linebacker, gets set for big recruiting weekend
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Ohio State offers in-state 2025 linebacker, gets set for big recruiting weekend
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Akron Hoban product Eli Lee is the latest to earn an Ohio State offer.
Ohio State will certainly need to load up at the linebacker position in the 2025 class. With the veteran room in Columbus now, Jim Knowles and James Laurinaitis will have to land multiple prospects in the next cycle, and on Wednesday a new name of potential emerged on the list as the staff sent out their latest offer to another linebacker target.
Not having to go far from their own backyard, the Buckeyes dished out an offer to in-state linebacker, Eli Lee. A 6-foot-3, 215 pound athlete, the Akron Hoban product is currently the 56th best player at his position and the 34th best player in Ohio per 247Sports’ rankings for the 2025 class. With two offers to his name until Ohio State pulled the trigger, an addition like this makes it just a matter of time before several other top suitors take notice.
The Buckeyes already look like the team to beat for Lee, as he was Crystal Ball’d to end up staying close to home the same day as he received the offer by Bill Kurelic. Typically, when an in-state native hears from the Buckeyes it tends to go well, and if the trend continues here it looks more like a matter of when and not if that Ohio State will land his commitment.
Wanting to keep their best guys at home for their college careers, Lee is the next name worth paying attention to as he looks like a real candidate to commit for the 2025 haul.
Ohio State being back at home this weekend means the recruiting opportunities are back in action. Hosting Maryland for game five of the season, the Buckeyes won’t only be playing host to the Terps, but also several top recruiting prospects in the current and future classes. It’s only been a few weeks, but it feels like it’s been much longer since Ohio State had a home contest, and this weekend should get things back on track in terms of on-campus visits for game days.
On Wednesday the names for the guest list continued to grow when current four-star commit Jaylen McClain shared that he would be back in town to see his future home, The No. 257 player nationally and the 24th best safety in the class per the 247Sports Composite, McClain being back on campus gives the staff another chance to further cement his decision, but also let the DB do some peer recruiting of his own as there will be ample chances to explain why Ohio State is the place to be.
Only a few spots left in the 2024 class, the staff is looking hard to fill each with a top talent and though their efforts are strong, there’s never anything wrong with current commits doing some recruiting of their own.
A 6-foot-5, 290 pound athlete out of Toledo Whitmer, Lowe is currently the No. 164 player nationally and the 15th best offensive tackle in the 2025 class per the 247Sports Composite. Knowing how important the offensive line is in every recruiting class, the Ohio bloodlines are producing top tier targets and the Buckeyes look to have the upper hand early on with their in-state natives.
What would be a big time get for the 2025 cycle, position coach Justin Frye will be all over this one until it’s a done deal, but the trends are certainly positive for Ohio State’s chances at keeping another one of the better products at home for their college careers.
Continue reading...
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Akron Hoban product Eli Lee is the latest to earn an Ohio State offer.
Ohio State will certainly need to load up at the linebacker position in the 2025 class. With the veteran room in Columbus now, Jim Knowles and James Laurinaitis will have to land multiple prospects in the next cycle, and on Wednesday a new name of potential emerged on the list as the staff sent out their latest offer to another linebacker target.
Not having to go far from their own backyard, the Buckeyes dished out an offer to in-state linebacker, Eli Lee. A 6-foot-3, 215 pound athlete, the Akron Hoban product is currently the 56th best player at his position and the 34th best player in Ohio per 247Sports’ rankings for the 2025 class. With two offers to his name until Ohio State pulled the trigger, an addition like this makes it just a matter of time before several other top suitors take notice.
The Buckeyes already look like the team to beat for Lee, as he was Crystal Ball’d to end up staying close to home the same day as he received the offer by Bill Kurelic. Typically, when an in-state native hears from the Buckeyes it tends to go well, and if the trend continues here it looks more like a matter of when and not if that Ohio State will land his commitment.
Wanting to keep their best guys at home for their college careers, Lee is the next name worth paying attention to as he looks like a real candidate to commit for the 2025 haul.
Guest list for this weekend continuing to grow
Ohio State being back at home this weekend means the recruiting opportunities are back in action. Hosting Maryland for game five of the season, the Buckeyes won’t only be playing host to the Terps, but also several top recruiting prospects in the current and future classes. It’s only been a few weeks, but it feels like it’s been much longer since Ohio State had a home contest, and this weekend should get things back on track in terms of on-campus visits for game days.
On Wednesday the names for the guest list continued to grow when current four-star commit Jaylen McClain shared that he would be back in town to see his future home, The No. 257 player nationally and the 24th best safety in the class per the 247Sports Composite, McClain being back on campus gives the staff another chance to further cement his decision, but also let the DB do some peer recruiting of his own as there will be ample chances to explain why Ohio State is the place to be.
Only a few spots left in the 2024 class, the staff is looking hard to fill each with a top talent and though their efforts are strong, there’s never anything wrong with current commits doing some recruiting of their own.
Quick Hits
- In addition to the Crystal Ball submitted for Lee, Bill Kurelic of Bucknuts also issued a second prediction on Wednesday via the 247Sports Crystal Ball for the Buckeyes to land in-state 2025 offensive tackle Carter Lowe.
A 6-foot-5, 290 pound athlete out of Toledo Whitmer, Lowe is currently the No. 164 player nationally and the 15th best offensive tackle in the 2025 class per the 247Sports Composite. Knowing how important the offensive line is in every recruiting class, the Ohio bloodlines are producing top tier targets and the Buckeyes look to have the upper hand early on with their in-state natives.
What would be a big time get for the 2025 cycle, position coach Justin Frye will be all over this one until it’s a done deal, but the trends are certainly positive for Ohio State’s chances at keeping another one of the better products at home for their college careers.
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State softball hosted Ohio Charity Classic to support cancer research; won all three games
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Ohio State softball hosted Ohio Charity Classic to support cancer research; won all three games
Megan.Husslein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
@OhioStateSB Twitter
A great weekend of victory for a great cause!
This past weekend was a sneak peek at the new-look Buckeye softball team in the 22nd annual Ohio Collegiate Charity Classic. The Ohio Collegiate Charity Classic has raised over $250,000, making it one of the largest fundraisers for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Central Ohio. There were 10 games played between 10 different schools, and Ohio State won all three games it played in.
The Buckeyes return five starters and all five pitchers from last year’s squad, including two All-Big Ten performers in Sam Hackenbracht and Kami Kortokrax.
Their first game of the weekend came against Division II Tiffin; sophomore pitcher Lexi Paulsen got the start and ended up throwing a complete game, two-hit shutout. Hackenbracht hit a two-run home run and freshman infielder Lottie Landmesser and sophomore Skylar Limon each had an RBI hit in the 5-0 Buckeye victory.
Sunday, the Buckeyes played two with their first being against Akron. Once again, Landmesser and Limon got the bats going as they each had an RBI double to take a 2-0 lead in the second.
Another freshman who contributed to the offense was Jasmyn Burns, as she hit a solo home run to tack on another run in the fourth. That was all the runs that Ohio State needed, as senior pitcher Allison Smith pitched a complete game and struck out eight while allowing just three hits and one walk.
Ohio State’s final game of the weekend came against Bowling Green and it was a mercy-rule victory. In the first inning alone, the Bucks scored eight runs on four hits and two home runs, courtesy of Melina Wilkison and McKenzie Bump.
Senior Emily Ruck went four innings in the circle versus BGSU and sophomore Kennedy Kay worked the final inning of a 14-1 victory.
Overall, it was a great performance this weekend from the Buckeyes. As a team, Ohio State hit .347 with 11 extra-base hits; seven different players recorded two or more hits on the weekend.
As for the pitching, only one run was surrendered all weekend. Both of the senior pitchers notched wins, along with Paulsen, who is looking to be the third starter in the rotation.
The Buckeyes will play one more game this fall on Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET at Buckeye Field against Ohio Dominican.
Continue reading...
Megan.Husslein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
@OhioStateSB Twitter
A great weekend of victory for a great cause!
This past weekend was a sneak peek at the new-look Buckeye softball team in the 22nd annual Ohio Collegiate Charity Classic. The Ohio Collegiate Charity Classic has raised over $250,000, making it one of the largest fundraisers for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Central Ohio. There were 10 games played between 10 different schools, and Ohio State won all three games it played in.
The Buckeyes return five starters and all five pitchers from last year’s squad, including two All-Big Ten performers in Sam Hackenbracht and Kami Kortokrax.
Their first game of the weekend came against Division II Tiffin; sophomore pitcher Lexi Paulsen got the start and ended up throwing a complete game, two-hit shutout. Hackenbracht hit a two-run home run and freshman infielder Lottie Landmesser and sophomore Skylar Limon each had an RBI hit in the 5-0 Buckeye victory.
Sunday, the Buckeyes played two with their first being against Akron. Once again, Landmesser and Limon got the bats going as they each had an RBI double to take a 2-0 lead in the second.
Another freshman who contributed to the offense was Jasmyn Burns, as she hit a solo home run to tack on another run in the fourth. That was all the runs that Ohio State needed, as senior pitcher Allison Smith pitched a complete game and struck out eight while allowing just three hits and one walk.
Ohio State’s final game of the weekend came against Bowling Green and it was a mercy-rule victory. In the first inning alone, the Bucks scored eight runs on four hits and two home runs, courtesy of Melina Wilkison and McKenzie Bump.
Senior Emily Ruck went four innings in the circle versus BGSU and sophomore Kennedy Kay worked the final inning of a 14-1 victory.
Overall, it was a great performance this weekend from the Buckeyes. As a team, Ohio State hit .347 with 11 extra-base hits; seven different players recorded two or more hits on the weekend.
As for the pitching, only one run was surrendered all weekend. Both of the senior pitchers notched wins, along with Paulsen, who is looking to be the third starter in the rotation.
The Buckeyes will play one more game this fall on Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET at Buckeye Field against Ohio Dominican.
Continue reading...
LGHL “Best decision I’ve ever made.” Entering fourth season, Zed Key loves Ohio State, Columbus more than ever
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“Best decision I’ve ever made.” Entering fourth season, Zed Key loves Ohio State, Columbus more than ever
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Clare Grant/The Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
When Zed Key committed to Ohio State, the Long Island-native had no clue the type of “home away from home” that he would eventually find in central Ohio.
Now entering his fourth year as a Buckeye, Zed Key has been around long enough to witness a few historical moments in the history of the Ohio State men’s basketball program. He was a freshman on the 2020-2021 team that lost to Oral Roberts in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, becoming the ninth 2-seed to ever lose to a 15-seed in the opening round. He was a junior last season — the leading rebounder on a team that finished with the program’s worst record since 1998.
He also dealt with a nasty shoulder injury this past season that coincided with the Buckeyes’ lowest stretch of the season, when they lost 14 out of 15 games and plummetted to the bottom of the Big Ten. Key was resigned to the fact that he’d just have to watch from the sideline while his understudy — freshman center Felix Okpara — was eaten alive most nights against bigger, more experienced centers in the Big Ten.
It wasn’t easy. That stretch was a dark time for Key, and it made him appreciate the game — and his own health — so much more as his senior season draws near.
“That time, it was tough because obviously I wanted to play, I wanted to help my team get out of the slump that we were having,” Key said last week at Ohio State’s media day. “But my shoulder just wasn’t in a position to go out there and play at the highest level. So just making the decision (to have surgery) — it was tough. That decision wasn’t the easiest.
“And once I made it, you know, just sitting there, like I wanted to go out there still. Even when I had the surgery in the Big Ten Tournament, I was still sitting on the side like “I really want to go out here and play,” like the urge was still there. But just learning from last year, and not taking anything for granted..... since you never know. That’s what I learned, you don’t know what’s going to happen to you, so just don’t take nothing for granted, and play hard.”
But don’t get it twisted, a now slimmed-down Key has had some great moments and memories as a Buckeye, too. A three-star recruit out of Long Island Lutheran High School who didn’t crack the top 100 in the class, Key has increased his points per game output every season thus far — from 5.2 as a freshman, to 7.8 as a sophomore, to 10.8 last season. He’s recorded eight double-doubles, dropped 20 points on the Duke Blue Devils twice, and led Ohio State to a win over the top-ranked Blue Devils in 2021 in front of a packed crowd at the Schottenstein Center.
But has the reality of being a Buckeye lived up to his expectations? Since committing to Ohio State in September of 2019, Key would tweet out highlight and training videos and tag as many Ohio State-related Twitter accounts as possible — including the Buckeye Nuthouse account. But why?
“I was ready to be here.” Key joked. “I was ready to go. Trust me.”
Even now, Zed still tweets out videos of himself from time to time, and he still will tag the Buckeye Nuthouse, or the Ohio State Hoops account, or a local news station. His affection for the Ohio State men’s basketball program, the university, and the city of Columbus — a town nearly 600 miles away from where he grew up on Long Island — has never been stronger.
“This is the best decision I’ve ever made,” Zed told me. “I’m glad I made this decision, not just from a basketball standpoint — even outside of basketball. You know, the relationships I’ve built, the people that I’ve met. The bonds that I’ve made. Columbus is a great city, and I love it here. I’m glad I’m here.”
Key has been interested in classic cars for some time, and his interest evolved into a hobby and ultimately a second love since moving to Columbus. It’s not uncommon to find Zed at car shows around central Ohio during the summer, and he says that some of the most meaningful relationships he’s made since coming to Ohio State have nothing to do with basketball, and everything to do with cars.
“I’m a big car guy,” he said, “And I have a whole bunch of car friends, relationships, businessmen that I’ve met, totally unrelated to the university. Just you know, around Columbus.”
In an age of college sports where name, image, and likeness compensation is often the most prominent factor in where a student-athlete winds up, and the one-time transfer rule makes it so easy for a player to jump ship at the first sign of conflict, there’s something endearing about Key and his relationship with the city of Columbus. There’s been ample opportunities for a player like Zed — who was under-recruited out of high school — to go elsewhere.
He could’ve sought additional NIL opportunities, or transferred to a program where he wouldn’t need to compete with a sophomore for his starting spot as a senior. He could’ve allowed the sour taste of a dark, disappointing, and injury-marred junior season to carry him elsewhere and finish his college career with a blank slate at a new school.
But Key’s experience at Ohio State has exceeded the expectations that were set for him as a 17-year-old high school senior when he first committed. He’s found community both on and off the court, and wouldn’t change his story even a little bit, even if he had the chance.
Continue reading...
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Clare Grant/The Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
When Zed Key committed to Ohio State, the Long Island-native had no clue the type of “home away from home” that he would eventually find in central Ohio.
Now entering his fourth year as a Buckeye, Zed Key has been around long enough to witness a few historical moments in the history of the Ohio State men’s basketball program. He was a freshman on the 2020-2021 team that lost to Oral Roberts in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, becoming the ninth 2-seed to ever lose to a 15-seed in the opening round. He was a junior last season — the leading rebounder on a team that finished with the program’s worst record since 1998.
He also dealt with a nasty shoulder injury this past season that coincided with the Buckeyes’ lowest stretch of the season, when they lost 14 out of 15 games and plummetted to the bottom of the Big Ten. Key was resigned to the fact that he’d just have to watch from the sideline while his understudy — freshman center Felix Okpara — was eaten alive most nights against bigger, more experienced centers in the Big Ten.
It wasn’t easy. That stretch was a dark time for Key, and it made him appreciate the game — and his own health — so much more as his senior season draws near.
“That time, it was tough because obviously I wanted to play, I wanted to help my team get out of the slump that we were having,” Key said last week at Ohio State’s media day. “But my shoulder just wasn’t in a position to go out there and play at the highest level. So just making the decision (to have surgery) — it was tough. That decision wasn’t the easiest.
“And once I made it, you know, just sitting there, like I wanted to go out there still. Even when I had the surgery in the Big Ten Tournament, I was still sitting on the side like “I really want to go out here and play,” like the urge was still there. But just learning from last year, and not taking anything for granted..... since you never know. That’s what I learned, you don’t know what’s going to happen to you, so just don’t take nothing for granted, and play hard.”
But don’t get it twisted, a now slimmed-down Key has had some great moments and memories as a Buckeye, too. A three-star recruit out of Long Island Lutheran High School who didn’t crack the top 100 in the class, Key has increased his points per game output every season thus far — from 5.2 as a freshman, to 7.8 as a sophomore, to 10.8 last season. He’s recorded eight double-doubles, dropped 20 points on the Duke Blue Devils twice, and led Ohio State to a win over the top-ranked Blue Devils in 2021 in front of a packed crowd at the Schottenstein Center.
But has the reality of being a Buckeye lived up to his expectations? Since committing to Ohio State in September of 2019, Key would tweet out highlight and training videos and tag as many Ohio State-related Twitter accounts as possible — including the Buckeye Nuthouse account. But why?
“I was ready to be here.” Key joked. “I was ready to go. Trust me.”
Even now, Zed still tweets out videos of himself from time to time, and he still will tag the Buckeye Nuthouse, or the Ohio State Hoops account, or a local news station. His affection for the Ohio State men’s basketball program, the university, and the city of Columbus — a town nearly 600 miles away from where he grew up on Long Island — has never been stronger.
“This is the best decision I’ve ever made,” Zed told me. “I’m glad I made this decision, not just from a basketball standpoint — even outside of basketball. You know, the relationships I’ve built, the people that I’ve met. The bonds that I’ve made. Columbus is a great city, and I love it here. I’m glad I’m here.”
Key has been interested in classic cars for some time, and his interest evolved into a hobby and ultimately a second love since moving to Columbus. It’s not uncommon to find Zed at car shows around central Ohio during the summer, and he says that some of the most meaningful relationships he’s made since coming to Ohio State have nothing to do with basketball, and everything to do with cars.
“I’m a big car guy,” he said, “And I have a whole bunch of car friends, relationships, businessmen that I’ve met, totally unrelated to the university. Just you know, around Columbus.”
In an age of college sports where name, image, and likeness compensation is often the most prominent factor in where a student-athlete winds up, and the one-time transfer rule makes it so easy for a player to jump ship at the first sign of conflict, there’s something endearing about Key and his relationship with the city of Columbus. There’s been ample opportunities for a player like Zed — who was under-recruited out of high school — to go elsewhere.
He could’ve sought additional NIL opportunities, or transferred to a program where he wouldn’t need to compete with a sophomore for his starting spot as a senior. He could’ve allowed the sour taste of a dark, disappointing, and injury-marred junior season to carry him elsewhere and finish his college career with a blank slate at a new school.
But Key’s experience at Ohio State has exceeded the expectations that were set for him as a 17-year-old high school senior when he first committed. He’s found community both on and off the court, and wouldn’t change his story even a little bit, even if he had the chance.
Continue reading...
LGHL Big Ten Men’s Basketball Team Previews: Michigan State Spartans
- News
- 0 Replies
Big Ten Men’s Basketball Team Previews: Michigan State Spartans
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
Can the Spartans unseat Purdue at the top of the conference?
As we enter the fall season and college football gets underway, college basketball is right around the corner. As always, to prepare you for the season, Land-Grant Holy Land will be publishing Big Ten Team Previews and Ohio State Basketball Player Previews, starting now with the Team Previews.
Team: Michigan State Spartans
Head coach: Tom Izzo | 29th Season | 686-278 (330-160)
2022-23 record: 21-13 (11-8)
All-time record against Ohio State: 78-54
Returners: Jaden Akins, A.J. Hoggard, Tyson Walker, Malik Hall, Mady Sissoko, Jaxon Kohler, Tre Holloman, Carson Cooper
Departures: Joey Hauser, Pierre Brooks
Newcomers: Xavier Booker, Jeremy Fears, Coen Carr, Gehrig Normand
The Spartans are returning most of their production from the Sweet Sixteen run last season and will look to be a national title contender this year, along with Purdue in the Big Ten.
Losing Joey Hauser will affect the Spartans, as they are without his 14.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, and Pierre Brooks had high potential for the Spartans, but he was not able to contribute much in East Lansing before transferring to Butler.
A big question mark this season will be the center position for the Spartans. It was their weakness last year, but all three of the centers are back, and all will look to step into the main role. Jaxon Kohler showed the most promise in 2022-23, and should be able to handle a larger role this season.
The X factor on this year’s team is Jaden Akins. Akins is incredibly talented and has All-Big Ten potential, and if he can take that next step and complement AJ Hoggard and Tyson Walker, that trio will be as dynamic as they come.
Michigan State also has a pretty special freshman class coming in. Xavier Booker, Jeremy Fears, Coen Carr and Gehrig Normand will all have valuable roles in the rotation for the Spartans. Carr may be the most exciting, as his athletic ability will turn heads and can help him adjust to the speed of the collegiate game. Jeremy Fears also will see the floor often behind Hoggard and Walker, and will be one of the best back up point guards in the conference.
I believe Michigan State is the best team in the conference. It is a slim margin, but guard play can win championships, and Hoggard, Walker and Akins can lead this team to the promised land. Throw in Malik Hall, an improved Mady Sissoko, and this freshman class, and that can be the recipe for success.
Purdue is still incredibly talented, and Michigan State does not have Zach Edey. There is a scenario this season that Edey averages 20 points and 15 rebounds per game and wins the conference on his own. A determining factor in the Boilermaker’s success will be the progress that Braden Smith and Foster Loyer made over the offseason, which could leave them trailing behind the Spartans if not big enough a step forward.
The freshman class is really what will determine whether this team is a fun Elite Eight team or a real national title contender. Booker is an NBA-level prospect, but there have been questions on whether or not he will be ready on day one or may need a month or two to adjust to the college game.
But with all four freshmen playing valuable minutes for the Spartans, Tom Izzo and the rest of his coaching staff will have the depth in their rotation they have not had in a couple of seasons.
Continue reading...
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
Can the Spartans unseat Purdue at the top of the conference?
As we enter the fall season and college football gets underway, college basketball is right around the corner. As always, to prepare you for the season, Land-Grant Holy Land will be publishing Big Ten Team Previews and Ohio State Basketball Player Previews, starting now with the Team Previews.
Team: Michigan State Spartans
Head coach: Tom Izzo | 29th Season | 686-278 (330-160)
2022-23 record: 21-13 (11-8)
All-time record against Ohio State: 78-54
Returners: Jaden Akins, A.J. Hoggard, Tyson Walker, Malik Hall, Mady Sissoko, Jaxon Kohler, Tre Holloman, Carson Cooper
Departures: Joey Hauser, Pierre Brooks
Newcomers: Xavier Booker, Jeremy Fears, Coen Carr, Gehrig Normand
Outlook
The Spartans are returning most of their production from the Sweet Sixteen run last season and will look to be a national title contender this year, along with Purdue in the Big Ten.
Losing Joey Hauser will affect the Spartans, as they are without his 14.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, and Pierre Brooks had high potential for the Spartans, but he was not able to contribute much in East Lansing before transferring to Butler.
A big question mark this season will be the center position for the Spartans. It was their weakness last year, but all three of the centers are back, and all will look to step into the main role. Jaxon Kohler showed the most promise in 2022-23, and should be able to handle a larger role this season.
The X factor on this year’s team is Jaden Akins. Akins is incredibly talented and has All-Big Ten potential, and if he can take that next step and complement AJ Hoggard and Tyson Walker, that trio will be as dynamic as they come.
Michigan State also has a pretty special freshman class coming in. Xavier Booker, Jeremy Fears, Coen Carr and Gehrig Normand will all have valuable roles in the rotation for the Spartans. Carr may be the most exciting, as his athletic ability will turn heads and can help him adjust to the speed of the collegiate game. Jeremy Fears also will see the floor often behind Hoggard and Walker, and will be one of the best back up point guards in the conference.
Prediction
I believe Michigan State is the best team in the conference. It is a slim margin, but guard play can win championships, and Hoggard, Walker and Akins can lead this team to the promised land. Throw in Malik Hall, an improved Mady Sissoko, and this freshman class, and that can be the recipe for success.
Purdue is still incredibly talented, and Michigan State does not have Zach Edey. There is a scenario this season that Edey averages 20 points and 15 rebounds per game and wins the conference on his own. A determining factor in the Boilermaker’s success will be the progress that Braden Smith and Foster Loyer made over the offseason, which could leave them trailing behind the Spartans if not big enough a step forward.
The freshman class is really what will determine whether this team is a fun Elite Eight team or a real national title contender. Booker is an NBA-level prospect, but there have been questions on whether or not he will be ready on day one or may need a month or two to adjust to the college game.
But with all four freshmen playing valuable minutes for the Spartans, Tom Izzo and the rest of his coaching staff will have the depth in their rotation they have not had in a couple of seasons.
Continue reading...
