Michigan State Basketball: Where do Spartans stand in way-too-early polls?
Michigan State basketball is being hyped by many major publications. Just where are the Spartans ranked in numerous preseason polls?
The 2017-18 Michigan State basketball season is still months away, but the hype is already here. With Miles Bridges deciding to return for his sophomore year with the Spartans, many experts are predicting big things out of Michigan State.
Must Read: MSU Basketball: All-time Tom Izzo era starting five, bench
Tom Izzo might just have his most talented, and deepest, roster since 2013-14 or even the 2009 Final Four squad. Could this be the year he hoists his second national title trophy?
Here’s where the major publications have the Spartans in way-too-early polls.
ESPN — No. 3
Myron Medcalf explains that Bridges’ decision to return gives the Spartans one of the best duos in the country.
"His presence next to five-star recruit Jaren Jackson gives the Spartans a combination of talent that few programs in the country will be able to defend."
CBS Sports — No. 3
Gary Parrish is high on the Spartans for numerous reasons.
"Why the Spartans are here: The most surprising — and significant — NBA Draft development is Miles Bridges’ decision to return to Michigan State. It means four of the Spartans’ top five scorers will be back. And Bridges could now become the favorite for National Player of the Year."
NBC Sports — No. 1
Bridges looking like the Player of the Year? Nick Ward a beast? Jaren Jackson Jr. a perfect sidekick? Yes, yes and yes, according to Rob Dauster.
"I like this Michigan State team a lot. Nick Ward was a beast last year and Jaren Jackson is the perfect sidekick. Cassius Winston and Josh Langford will both take a step forward. The key, however, is that a potential Player of the Year in Miles Bridges opted to return to school."
Fox Sports — No. 2
Aaron Torres believes that Bridges’ return puts the Spartans squarely in the top two.
"With the return of Josh Langford, Nick Ward and Cassius Winston, as well as the arrival of McDonald’s All-American Jaren Jackson Jr., we already had Michigan State in our Top 5 entering the 2018 season — and that was before Miles Bridges decided to return for his sophomore season."
Sports Illustrated — No. 8
Take this ranking with a grain of salt. Seth Davis released his way-too-early Top 25 long before Bridges announced his return. Heck, Davis didn’t even think Bridges returning was a possibility, noting that the Spartans would dodge a bullet if Nick Ward returned.
Yahoo! Sports — No. 3
If you’re looking for a major site ranking the Spartans outside of the top-five post-Bridges, you won’t be in luck. Jeff Eisenberg explained that Michigan State has a championship-caliber roster.
"Only a handful of times in Tom Izzo’s decorated career has he had a championship-caliber roster. Next season should be one of those years."
Sporting News — No. 5
This, too, was made before Bridges decided on his return to Michigan State. Still, No. 5 without Bridges must mean top-three with him, right?
The Big Lead — No. 2
According to Jason McIntyre, the Spartans received a 15-spot boost in The Big Lead‘s preseason rankings because of Bridges’ decision.
"Were #17 in our last rankings, but they get boosted to #2 because Miles Bridges (16.7 ppg) is staying and he might win the National Player of the Year. Brawny Nick Ward will be their 2nd best player, and there’s good depth when you toss in freshman Jaren Jackson."
FanRag Sports — No. 1
Jon Rothstein is a pretty knowledgable guy when it comes to college basketball, so for him to rank the Spartans No. 1 is a telling sign for the 2017-18 hype.
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Overall, the Spartans seem to be considered a consensus top-five team with Bridges back and many would even argue that they should be no lower than No. 3. What do you think the expectation for 2017-18 should be for Michigan State?