Interview with Lansing State Journal MSU beat writer, Joe Rexrode

During my time at State, I was fortunate enough to work with some great people for a couple years at The Lansing State Journal. Aside from learning a ton about writing — my first published clip was a recap of a high school soccer game in the LSJ — I got the inside scoop on many happenings in EL.

Many of those inside scoops came from  Joe Rexrode, the Michigan State beat writer for the LSJ. Joe was kind enough to take some time out to answer a few questions about the Spartans’ recent Final Four run, State’s chances to return there next season and Mark Dantonio’s football squad.

And if you’re not reading Hey Joe! on a daily basis, you’re an idiot.

Bartl: You spent a great deal of time with the Spartans basketball team this season and had a great view of all the ups and downs. How special was this trip to the Final Four to Izzo?

Rexrode:  I think it was very special because he — like everyone else — had doubts this team would put things together. To get there without Kalin Lucas and with Chris Allen and Delvon Roe ailing makes this the most improbable of his six Final Fours. And maybe the most rewarding for Izzo, because there were questions about whether all the buttons he pushed this season would pay off. There was definitely some vindication in this run. And some growing up for a few guys.

Bartl: Ranked No. 2 in the preseason polls, everyone seemed to have State pegged to be a national championship contender. Then inconsistent play created doubts about how far it could go until ultimately living up to the preseason expectations. What were your thoughts on the preseason ranking, mid-season struggles and the unexpected run in the tournament?

Rexrode: A lot of people, Izzo included, ripped on the preseason ranking. But when you look at how many teams were proven commodities going into the season, how could the Spartans not be ranked high coming off the NCAA title game and with so much returning talent? Kansas, Purdue and Villanova were teams I could see ranked ahead of MSU going into the season. Maybe Texas. No one had any idea Syracuse, for example, would be as good as they were. That said, I didn’t think MSU would be as good because of the departure of Travis Walton and Goran Suton. As for the struggles and tournament run, there was one major factor in both: Durrell Summers. He was the most disappointing player in the regular season, and the biggest pleasant surprise in the postseason.

Bartl: As usual, no one has wasted any time in looking ahead to basketball season. With State losing only Raymar Morgan, it seems near consensus the Spartans will be ranked No. 1 in the preseason polls with Lucas and Summers back plus a top recruiting class. What are your thoughts on the early hype, and how good do you think next season’s team can be?

Rexrode:  As long as everyone returns, which I ultimately expect, this team should be in the top 3, along with Duke and Purdue. (And that’s assuming Kyle Singler returns for his senior season). And if they have a good offseason and a few guys grow up and learn to focus for a full season the way they did in the tournament, I think the 2010-11 team could be one of Izzo’s best and a true national title contender.

Bartl: The Spartans football team made headlines with a December dormitory brawl that led to suspensions, transfers and even jail time. How big of an impact will that have on the upcoming season?

Rexrode:  It was a lot of bad publicity for MSU, but the biggest impact it will have on next season is in the absence of Glenn Winston and Roderick Jenrette, who could have been key players in 2010. Other than that, very little.

Bartl: Dantonio’s three seasons at State haven’t exactly given fans much reason to get excited about Spartan football. What can we expect from this year’s team, and how far away do you feel this program is from ending its Big Ten title drought — which is now in its 20th year?

Rexrode: Hard to say on the drought. I do think the talent level is increasing. As far as Dantonio’s three years, he has made three bowl games, one on New Year’s Day, and has a 22-17 record, which is a better three-year start than Saban, Perles and Smith. Nothing spectacular, but given this program’s history over the past 40 years, not bad.

Bartl: One bright spot for State is All-America linebacker Greg Jones. I’ve heard he hasn’t received many positive NFL scouting reports regarding his pro potential. Does another great season erase those doubts?

Rexrode: The biggest thing is being able to play fast at a higher weight, because Jones has not been great in pass coverage. That’s why he put on about 10-15 pounds in the offseason, so he can be drafted as a middle linebacker. If he has the same production at 235 in 2010, his stock will definitely be higher for the 2011 draft.

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