Michigan State basketball listed as one of nation's most talented teams

We may be right in the middle of football season, but Michigan State basketball fans are excited for the start of the 2024-25 season and that's because this team has some juice.

After what we can consider a successful Spain trip that concluded with a 2-1 record against professional teams, the Spartans' stock rose, according to some experts as well as Vegas. In fact, Vegas had Michigan State as the favorite to win the Big Ten following the Spain excursion.

Now, Michigan State is gearing up for what could be one of the most important seasons of Tom Izzo's career. He has had four straight mediocre seasons which is just not normal for him. He needs to prove that these lacklister seasons are flukes or outliers, but he has to do it without Tyson Walker or Malik Hall who both left via graduation and AJ Hoggard and Mady Sissoko both transferred.

Expectations after this offseason were mellowed a bit for 2024-25, but Spain has ramped them up again and the Spartans are now in the thick of things nationally.

According to barttorkvik.com, Michigan State is the 10th-most talented team in the country.

It's tough to argue with this, especially with the additions of Frankie Fidler, Kur Teng, and Jase Richardson as well as the inevitable sophomore leaps for Jeremy Fears Jr., Xavier Booker, and Coen Carr. Mix that crop of players with key returnees like Jaden Akins, Jaxon Kohler, and Tre Holloman and you have one of the most talented and deepest teams in the nation.

Forget being overlooked, it looks like the 2024-25 Spartans are going to be right back where they belong: in the conversation for Big Ten and national titles.