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Michigan State Basketball: 3 reasons to be optimistic about 2020-21 season

By Connor Muldowney

Rocket Watts, Michigan State football Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Rocket Watts, Michigan State football Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 8, 2020; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Gabe Brown (44) reacts from the bench during the second half of a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Breslin Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2020; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Gabe Brown (44) reacts from the bench during the second half of a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Breslin Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Abundance of shooters

The best Tom Izzo teams can shoot the rock. Just look at one of the best shooting teams of the past decade in 2015-16 (yes, we know they ultimately lost to MTSU in a massive upset) with guys like Bryn Forbes, Denzel Valentine, Eron Harris, Matt McQuaid, Marvin Clark and Alvin Ellis who all shot over 40 percent from deep — an insane number.

That team went 29-5 in the regular season and was looking like a favorite to win the national title but drew the unfortunate matchup against Middle Tennessee.

Still, when you can shoot the ball at an efficient rate, there aren’t many teams that can beat you. The problem with that team was the fact that it relied too much on 3-point makes. This year’s team will be able to shoot but will have more than just guys who stand on the perimeter and take jumpers.

There are an abundance of shooters like Rocket Watts, Gabe Brown, Josh Langford, Aaron Henry, Joey Hauser, AJ Hoggard, Foster Loyer and even guys like Marcus Bingham Jr. and Malik Hall may be able to develop solid jumpers and add to their games.

Michigan State is going to be a mismatch nightmare for defenses with 9-10 guys who can stretch the floor and score from just about anywhere.

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