Scouting report: Michigan State Spartans
By Jay Bilas
Special to ESPN.com
Michigan State is a well-balanced, deep team that excels in transition and on the boards. The Spartans have a blue-collar attitude on the defensive end, and they pursue the ball whenever it is loose. Michigan State has proven that they can adapt to a variety of different styles.
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Morris Peterson
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Michigan State is very good in the open court, with Mateen Cleaves pushing the ball, Morris Peterson running the left side of the court and Charlie Bell spotting up in transition. On offense, the Spartans run their stuff very well, and it's difficult to take them out of it. They are well-organized, quick and show good speed at a variety of positions.
The Spartans run a very good secondary break, as well as box sets, and a ballscreen series that takes full advantage of Cleaves' ability to penetrate and kick. They also have a 1-4 high series, high-low looks and several dribble entry sets. To defend Michigan State, you will have to navigate ballscreens, staggers and ball reversal. The Spartans like to push the ball, penetrate and create, and shoot in transition.
On defense, Michigan State plays mostly halfcourt man-to-man, but will play a 1-2-2 matchup and some 2-3 zone on out-of-bounds plays underneath the basket.
Michigan State's key is rebounding. There is no team in the country that pursues the ball as actively and aggressively as the Spartans, and their first priority is to go to the glass and pursue the ball wherever it goes. That rebounding mentality has allowed Michigan State to win games even when the Spartans' offense has failed them.
Mateen Cleaves: A playmaker in every sense of the word. Improved 3-point shooter who will drill shots coming off of ballscreens. No longer is it a given that you can go underneath and push up on ballscreens because Cleaves is now hitting that shot. Loves the high pick and roll; loves to turn the corner and drive middle. Attacks the close out and good at getting it back once he gives it up. Confident and fast with the ball, will pull up quickly and pull the trigger on a mid-range jumper. Passes ahead, strong with the ball and applies good pressure on the ball with physical defense. Will turn it over trying to make the big play.
Charlie Bell: Aggressive offensive player who can hit standstill 3s or pull up off the dribble. Changes speed and direction very well, and attacks the basket along the baseline. Always looks to get closer to the basket, and comes off screens ready to shoot. Strong, physical defender who provides good toughness, and can guard a point guard, shooting guard or small forward. Good handle, and can play point. Runs the court and is a very good offensive rebounder.
A.J. Granger: Very good perimeter shooter who likes to spot up or come off screens. Must stay with him on ballscreens and be aware of pick and stay. Good offensive rebounder and improved defender who makes big shots and does not back down from anyone. Good overall skills, and an undervalued performer on both ends.
Andre Hutson: Lefthander who is very athletic and has been playing hurt without complaint or excuse. Outstanding rebounder on both ends, and a physical and quick low-post defender. Battles on every possession. Plays around the basket, but is more offensive-minded over the last month of the season. Likes the turnaround jumper and jump hook over his right shoulder. Can face up, and likes to go left on drives. Much more aggressive seeking low-post scoring opportunities. Must play him early.
Morris Peterson: Lefthander who is the most athletic wing in the Big Ten. Runs the court, shoots off the catch, off screens, off the dribble and hits the mid-range pull-up jumper. Can create his own shot, and can shoot from deep. Very good in transition, looks for the lob as a momentum play for himself and his team. Cannot let him dunk. Makes great reads and can post up. Can be streaky, but does not let himself be taken out of his game very easily if he's missing shots. Tough-minded and able to absorb a physical game.
Jason Richardson: Explosive athlete who can run the court and finish on the break. Makes spectacular plays. Powerful build, very difficult to keep off the offensive glass. Must be blocked out. Inconsistent handle and shot, but has great body control and big-play potential. His dunks in transition, or off offensive boards, can change momentum.
Mike Chappell: Streak shooter with great range. How his first shots go will determine how his total game will go. Must get into him physically early and often. Strong ability to get to the offensive glass. Can handle the ball and has a quick release. Could be the difference-maker in Indianapolis.
David Thomas: Point guard skills and small forward size. Athletic and long-armed, Thomas can bring a different look off of the bench. Versatile, good passer with the ability to see over the defense and deliver the ball. Not blessed with blow-by speed, but can back smaller guys down and score over them. |
Dick Bennett talks about the Spartans aggressive defense.