It’s a question that has been asked countless times over the years: Is Michigan State men’s basketball ranked? The answer is yes. The Spartans are currently ranked No. 8 in the Associated Press (AP) Poll and No. 10 in the USA Today Coaches Poll.
 |
Bet on Basketball $1,000 Welcome Bonus A+ Rating Review 25+ Years Online |
Join now! |
Michigan State’s Resurgence
Michigan State basketball has been on the rise since the 2018-19 season. After a disappointing 2017-18 campaign, the Spartans rebounded to reach the Final Four in 2019 and the Elite Eight in 2020. They have been one of the top teams in the Big Ten for the past two seasons, finishing second in the conference in both 2018-19 and 2019-20.
Head Coach Tom Izzo
Head coach Tom Izzo has been the driving force behind Michigan State’s resurgence. Izzo has been at the helm for 24 seasons and has won one national championship (2000) and seven Big Ten regular season titles. He is also a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, having been inducted in 2016. Izzo is widely regarded as one of the top coaches in college basketball, and his teams have consistently been ranked in the top 25.
A Strong Roster
The Spartans have a strong roster this season, led by senior guard Cassius Winston and junior forward Xavier Tillman. Winston is an All-American candidate who is averaging 19.7 points, 7.8 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. He is also shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 40.1 percent from three-point range. Tillman is averaging 12.5 points and a team-high 9.4 rebounds per game, and he is shooting 61.7 percent from the field.
Big Ten Conference Play
Michigan State has been one of the top teams in the Big Ten this season. The Spartans have a 9-3 record in conference play and are currently tied for second place. They have already clinched a spot in the Big Ten Tournament, and they are in contention for a top-four seed in the tournament.
NCAA Tournament Hopes
Michigan State is currently projected as a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Spartans have a strong resume, including wins over Duke, Kentucky, and Michigan. They also have a strong RPI, ranking No. 8 overall. As long as they can remain in the top 25 and continue to win games, they should remain in contention for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Final Thoughts
It’s no surprise that Michigan State men’s basketball is ranked. The Spartans have been one of the top teams in the Big Ten for the past two seasons, and they have a solid roster led by All-American candidate Cassius Winston and junior forward Xavier Tillman. Michigan State is currently projected as a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, and they should remain in contention for a high seed if they can remain in the top 25.