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Michigan State Basketball: Who’s to blame for 3-game losing streak?

By Jack Williams

Dec 25, 2020; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo talks to his players during action Friday, Dec. 25, 2020, against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan. Mandatory Credit: Kirthmon F. Dozier-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2020; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo talks to his players during action Friday, Dec. 25, 2020, against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan. Mandatory Credit: Kirthmon F. Dozier-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Thomas Kithier (15) dribbles the ball as Minnesota Gophers forward Eric Curry (24) guards him during the first half at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Thomas Kithier (15) dribbles the ball as Minnesota Gophers forward Eric Curry (24) guards him during the first half at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Thomas Kithier

I was actually extremely hesitant to put Thomas Kithier on this list for a couple of reasons. First, you have to remember that he didn’t ask to be put into the starting lineup. He obviously wants to be there, but it’s not his fault that he isn’t up to par with the standard of big men at Michigan State.

He works hard and knows the game better than anybody on the team right now. His value in the starting lineup is the very same that it was when he was a starter last season.

Having said that, this is not the same team that he was playing on last season. We aren’t looking for a guy who can hold down his spot while the opposing team is distracted by Xavier Tillman; we need a guy who can step up.

And that’s the unfortunate part about Kithier’s game. This far into his career, it’s clear that he has a relatively low ceiling. It seems like he is doing everything to the best of the ability, but doesn’t have the athleticism or instincts to compete. He isn’t anywhere near the skill level of top-tier big men on other Big Ten teams, and he may never be.

I feel the same way about Kithier that I do about Connor Heyward for the football team. Both guys can be strong contributors, but the coaches need to learn how to efficiently use them before they give them extended minutes.

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