Michigan State Basketball: Gabe Brown earns Morris Peterson comparison

Tom Izzo had a lofty comparison for sophomore wing man Gabe Brown which should make Michigan State basketball fans more than excited.

Gabe Brown has earned some lofty comparisons in his two years in East Lansing and some fans have likened his athleticism to Jason Richardson. He has some hops and the potential to throw down over defenders with ease.

And he has some toughness and “Spartan Dawg” in him. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and he’s quite the competitor.

All of these are characteristics of Richardson, but Tom Izzo compared him to another former Spartan and national champion on Tuesday.

This comparison of Brown to Morris Peterson should have Michigan State fans more than excited because of how the latter turned out after winning the national title in 2000.

And the comparison makes sense.

As a sophomore, Peterson averaged 8.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, shot 45 percent from the floor and 33 percent from long range. Conversely, Brown is averaging 8.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, shooting 45 percent from the floor and 34 percent from 3-point range. They have similar games, but Brown is probably more athletic as a Spartan and may have an even higher ceiling.

The fact that Izzo says Brown is further along as a sophomore than Peterson was just shows how highly he regards his sophomore from Belleville.

Peterson went on to be an All-Big Ten performer, win a national title with Michigan State as a senior as he averaged 16.8 points and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 47 percent from the floor and 43 percent from deep. If Brown puts together this type of senior year — or slightly better — Michigan State will be in good shape in a couple of seasons.

Brown continues to get better each week and he’s showing his potential is through the roof. He seems to be progressing at an advanced rate and that’s good news for Michigan State’s 2020 national title hopes.