Michigan State basketball has loaded 2021-22 non-conference schedule

There’s a famous phrase from Tom Izzo regarding his annual Michigan State basketball non-conference scheduling. He’s said over the years that he’s willing to play anyone, anywhere, anytime.

That may never be more true than in 2021-22 as the Spartans begin to think about how the non-conference schedule will look.

Izzo went on Audrey Dahlgren’s radio show on Tuesday and dropped some hints at some non-conference scheduling.

What he said made it seem like the 2021-22 schedule might end up being the toughest the Spartans have faced in quite some time and this may prepare them for a crucial Big Ten title run.

The Hall of Fame head coach said Michigan State “may have” Duke at Breslin this season after the Blue Devils promised a return home game after the Spartans traveled to Cameron Indoor last year. This could be just that and it doesn’t seem like it’s a Big Ten/ACC Challenge matchup — or at least there’s a possibility it may not be.

He also said Villanova “may” be on the schedule. That would be the premier Gavitt Games matchup for the Big Ten and Big East.

If these two matchups happen, the Spartans will have Kansas, Duke, Villanova, and a loaded Battle 4 Atlantis field of Baylor, Connecticut, Syracuse, and Auburn. Get through all of that with a couple of losses and maybe a Battle 4 Atlantis finals appearance and you’re set up nicely for league play.

Michigan State basketball will be more than tested

Getting tested is usually a good thing for young Michigan State teams and this year is no exception. The Spartans are going to be thrown into the fire right away and guys like Jaden Akins, Max Christie, and Pierre Brooks are going to get immediate action against college basketball’s elite.

When Michigan State’s non-conference schedule is loaded, the Spartans usually have deeper runs in the NCAA Tournament.

As long as Michigan State doesn’t completely fold against these tough non-conference opponents, it will be set up nicely for Big Ten play.