If you're anything like me, once Michigan State basketball gets eliminated from the NCAA Tournament, it almost feels pointless to keep watching.
However, I did catch myself getting roped into the Duke vs. Houston game that turned into a thriller, resulting in one of the greatest Final Four comebacks of all time. The Cougars play a lot like Michigan State with tough, gritty defense that just wears you down throughout the game and the Blue Devils found that out firsthand on Saturday night.
Seeing Houston in the title game has to give Michigan State fans some hope because the teams are similar and it feels like Tom Izzo got his fastball back.
If the Spartans want to be next year's Houston, this is what the offseason wish list should look like.
1. Jase Richardson returns
This is atop every Michigan State fan's wish list and for good reason. The Spartans went the first half of the season without a go-to scorer and then Jeremy Fears Jr. and Xavier Booker missed the Oregon game in East Lansing with an illness and someone needed to step up. Down big at the half, Jase Richardson took it upon himself to lead the Spartans back.
He did just that, scoring a career-high 29 points, separating himself as the team's go-to scorer and his freshman season really took off from there. From that point on, he scored in double figures in every single game but one (New Mexico) to end the season.
Now, he's projected as a first-round pick and there's soome uncertainty surrounding his future. Will he stay one more year and tackle some unfinished business with his team or will he go the pro route and potentially spend some time in the G-League?
Most think he's gone (me included), but his return is atop my wish list.
2. Sharpshooting portal guard
Gone is Tre Holloman and he takes with him the ability to knock down threes, but Tom Izzo isn't going to just sit around and get no one to replace him.
Sure, Kur Teng should be a solid option next season and I do see him stepping up and becoming a weapon on offense, but there needs to be depth at the shooting guard position, especially if Jase is gone. That means Izzo will have to go into the portal to land someone and I can see it being a mid-major guard with some length who has shown the ability to knock down threes throughout his career.
We've seen Izzo land sharpshooting transfers before (Tyson Walker, Bryn Forbes, Joey Houser, Eron Harris, Brandon Wood), so I wouldn't be shocked to see this happen soon.
3. Offensive threat in the post
Losing Xavier Booker hurt but it was expected and Szymon Zapala is also gone after one serviceable season in East Lansing. Coming back are Coen Carr, Jaxon Kohler, and Carson Cooper and the Spartans also have Jesse McCulloch and Cam Ward to man the paint.
That should be enough, right?
I just find it hard to believe that Izzo is going to place all of his trust in one proven guy on offense (Kohler) without getting him some help at the four or the five. He doesn't necessarily need to be dominant down low, but a guy who can get you eight and 5-6 rebounds with elite defense every single night would be ideal.
We just witnessed Johni Broome eat the Spartans up down low in the Elite Eight so someone to counter that should be a priority next to Kohler.
4. Rapid development from the core
When I say "the core", I mean Kohler, Jeremy Fears Jr., Carr, and Cooper. But you could also throw in Teng because I believe he's going to be a huge piece to the puzzle next year.
I want to see Fears working on his jumper and cutting down the sloppy play. I want to see Kohler continuing his aggressive approach and developing that post game that has a ton of potential. I want to see Cooper adding a post game to complement his defensive ability. And I want to see Carr add a consistent jumper because if he does, he's a pro.
This team could be special next season and while I'd also love to see Holloman back, I know that's not going to happen. Development from the core guys will lead this team back to the top of the Big Ten.