Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from big win over Texas

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 23: Head coach Tom Izzo (R) of the Michigan State Spartans and his team pose after winning the championship game of the 2018 Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational basketball tournament against the Texas Longhorns at the Orleans Arena on November 23, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Michigan State defeated Texas 78-68. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 23: Kyle Ahrens #0 and Matt McQuaid #20 of the Michigan State Spartans hold up the championship trophy after winning the championship game of the 2018 Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational basketball tournament against the Texas Longhorns at the Orleans Arena on November 23, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Michigan State defeated Texas 78-68. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

1. This has the feeling of one of those special Tom Izzo teams

No real superstars, a deep bench and players who had been waiting years to become ‘the guy’ for the Spartans are now stepping up. Yes, this has the makings of one of those classic, special Tom Izzo teams.

The Spartans have had squads like that over the years and the last came in 2014-15 when the Spartans made the Final Four, led by Travis Trice. The next year had that same feel with Denzel Valentine leading the way, but they were knocked out in the first round of the NCAA Tournament by Middle Tennessee, negating a special season.

This time around, Michigan State has a ‘big three’ of Nick Ward, Cassius Winston and Josh Langford. The latter two have been improving each game and Ward has been as solid as they come in the post. The bench is deep and the young guys are only going to get better.

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As long as Winston continues to be an incredible leader, the Spartans keep shooting lights out and the defense remains stingy, this team is going to be incredibly tough to beat.

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