Spartan Avenue
Fansided

Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. Butler in Gavitt Games

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 14, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Coen Carr (55) dunks the ball against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Coen Carr (55) dunks the ball against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Butler Bulldogs guard/forward Pierre Brooks II (21) drives to the basket under pressure from East Tennessee State Buccaneers guard Gabe Sisk (21) and East Tennessee State Buccaneers guard Tyler Rice (3) during the game between Butler Bulldogs and East Tennessee State Buccaneers Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Bulldogs beat Buccaneers 81-47.
Butler Bulldogs guard/forward Pierre Brooks II (21) drives to the basket under pressure from East Tennessee State Buccaneers guard Gabe Sisk (21) and East Tennessee State Buccaneers guard Tyler Rice (3) during the game between Butler Bulldogs and East Tennessee State Buccaneers Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Bulldogs beat Buccaneers 81-47. /

2. Pierre Brooks will lead all scorers

I’m not sure that I would call this a “revenge” game for Pierre Brooks because he left on good terms and he’s likely still friends with his former Spartan teammates. But I would say that this is more of a “prove it” game for Brooks. He needs to show that Tom Izzo was foolish for letting him walk away and not playing him a ton in the latter half of last season.

To start the 2022-23 campaign, Brooks was on fire, showing that he could be a legitimate offensive weapon off the bench for the Spartans.

And then his confidence disappeared.

Izzo stopped playing him and he withered away on the bench, eventually deciding to look for a fresh start elsewhere. I’m guessing Izzo put in a good word for him with Thad Matta and Brooks found his new home in Indiana.

He’s off to a strong start this season and I think he’s hungry to prove himself in front of Izzo and his former teammates. I think he’s going to lead all scorers with 20 points with four made threes.

A nice homecoming game for the Detroit native.

Home/Spartans Basketball