Michigan State Basketball: Who is exceeding expectations?

The Michigan State basketball team has exceeded expectations thus far, but what about individual players?

Michigan State basketball has exceeded virtually all preseason expectations, using unmatched team passing to become the nation’s top-ranked team, two wins away from wrapping up an undefeated non-conference schedule.

Must Read: Michigan State football: All-time Spartan team

How has each player performed relative to expectations surrounding them entering the season, and what are the new goals going forward?

Denzel Valentine: Exceeding expectations

Dec 12, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) reacts to a play against the Florida Gators during the 2nd half of a game at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Before the season began Izzo confirmed that the 2015-16 squad would be Zel’s Team. The team’s best player and senior captain began the season with enormous expectations, and Valentine has surpassed them.

Denzel does a lot of everything on the court for a team resembling Draymond Green in 2012-2013. Like Green, Valentine has consistently improved each year, and he will likely end this season as one of the best players in Michigan State history

Bryn Forbes: Exceeding expectations

Nov 29, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Bryn Forbes (5) reacts after making a basket during the first half against the Providence Friars at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Forbes entered the season known as a magnificent shooter who was key to the team’s success. He has responded by surpassing expectations, dropping jaws as a lights out shooter able to also score closer to the basket.

After shooting 1-for-7 from three against Florida his three-point percentage finally dropped from an implausible 50 percent back down to reality, a conference-leading 45 percent. He showed more positive signs by hustling after loose balls, finding rebounds, and scoring in other ways. Izzo called him the player of the game, and continues to praise Forbes for his new toughness.

Forbes is stronger physically than he was last season but is still getting beat defensively, resulting in the team underperforming on defense with him on the court. For the team to achieve its championship goals, Forbes needs to improve on defense.

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Deyonta Davis: Exceeding expectations

Dec 2, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Deyonta Davis (23) drives to the basket against Louisville Cardinals forward Anas Mahmoud (14) during the 1st half of a game at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Davis was a high school McDonald’s All-American last year and arrived in East Lansing with high expectations, but his required time of development was unknown. He is astounding many by starring so early both offensively and defensively. He utilizes his length to finish dunks, hook shots and jumpers on one end of the court while effectively challenging and blocking shots on the other.

The freshman big man has additional areas of his skillset to develop and has huge upside to improve throughout the season. Spartan fans might even hope Davis doesn’t break out too quickly leading to him to forgo next season for the NBA. If he stays, he will likely be the team’s best returning player.

Matt Costello: Meeting expectations

Dec 12, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Matt Costello (10) grabs a rebound against the Florida State Seminoles during the 1st half of a game at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

The team is dominating its opponents on the boards, and Costello is a key reason why. Losing Branden Dawson from last season created a potential void in rebounding, and Costello is stepping up to fill it. Izzo commonly states in halftime interviews that the team needs to get the ball inside more. Players need to respond by feeding the post more, and Costello should be more prone to shoot.

Tum Tum Nairn: Underperforming

Nairn finds shooters well with relatively few turnovers, and plays tremendous defense, but after focusing primarily on outside shooting this offseason, he has yet to show improvement of his greatest weakness.

Javon Bess: Meeting expectations

Bess is demonstrating confidence and showing why Izzo planned to start him as a freshman last season before his foot injury, but he needs to rebound more. Izzo said last season he wished he could clone Bess, and the forward will continue to get playing time to show why.

Eron Harris: Underperforming

Sitting out last season after transferring from West Virginia, the team spoke highly of Harris as being the most difficult player to guard during practices. Though he is showing glimpses of offensive prowess, including creative finishes around the rim, he at times appears hesitant, stumbling on offense and weak on defense.

No player who averaged 42 percent from three one season could logically drop below 32 percent the next, so his four made three-pointers against Florida are encouraging. Having another terrific foul shooter on the court is also a relief after last season.

Marvin Clark Jr.: Meeting expectations

Through limited minutes while recovering from a foot injury, Clark is showing strong potential and multi-dimensional ability. Clark is a better scorer and rebounder than Bess, and could likely end up starting once he feels 100 percent.

Matt McQuaid: Meeting expectations

McQuaid is showing pure shooting and skilled ball handling, but is, at times, soft on defense and indecisive on offense. He has promise to play a significant role.

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Michigan State Basketball: Spartans living up to preseason expectations?

By Ian Olsen | Dec 19, 2015