With Kentucky and Maryland both losing since the release of last week’s AP Top 25 poll, there is one team left standing undefeated and ready to ascend to the throne of college basketball: Michigan State.
Yes, Sparty is 9-0 on the young season, led by Naismith Player of the Year favorite Denzel Valentine and his 19.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game, all while shooting above 47-percent from the field and shooting above 40-percent from deep.
When you have the best player in the country, that typically bodes well for your chances. However, it’s not just a one man show. This is a collective unit, as they flash here in an absurd start to the game.
Whoa. #Spartans with an alley-oop dunk off the tip. Ball never touches the floor once. https://t.co/8IVqJkoOKl
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) December 5, 2015
Senior guard Bryn Forbes is giving head coach Tom Izzo valuable minutes both and and off the ball, all while shooting a blistering 49-percent from three point range. This is the kind of balance that we generally associate with Izzo’s program, one hallmarked with their ability to defend, rebounds, and fight through any kind of physicality.
But it’s not all blue-collar flair for MSU this season, as they can keep up with the Joneses when necessary, largely thanks to the absolute brilliance of Valentine.
The season is still young and there is a lot of basketball yet to be played, but these Spartans look as ready as anyone to compete for a national title. And they’re starting games with alley-oops, come on! How can you not love to watch these guys?
