They say “it’s always darkest before the dawn.” Spartan basketball fans sure hope that’s the case after a season full of promise has turned to one of concern. The team that took over the #1 ranking in November and only had 1 loss when they began conference play is now out of the B1G regular season race and is playing to get ready for the tournaments. Woulda, coulda, shoulda been the top seed in the Midwest with games close to home – they now need to avoid falling to a 5 seed with a path full of trap games. It’s no secret that Tom Izzo’s streak of every 4 year player making to the Final Four is over if they don’t make it to Dallas. Potential lottery picks came back to avoid that being the case, but they look far from the form of a typical Izzo team in March.

I went back to the mitten and braved the snowstorms to attend the Izzone Alumni Game on Saturday.  As a proud former member of the student section, I really enjoy the opportunity to be back in those seats and contribute to the home court advantage. We also went to a reception before the game where several MSU dignitaries spoke to the group, most of which we’ve heard before. But, when Coach Izzo came out, the alums gave him a standing ovation and listened carefully to what our leader had to say. Everyone knows that this has been a tough season with all the injuries. Izzo talked about the challenge for him of constantly juggling the lineups and for the guys of getting used to playing together all over again. With Dawson back now, he has the full squad available for the first time in months, but they have to figure out how to play to their potential – and do it ASAP!

So, after the embarrassing loss to Illinois where they couldn’t even get to 50 points at home, I’ve done some thinking about the problems we’ve seen in many of the games (particularly in the losses) that need to be addressed if the team wants to make it to Dallas next month. Coach Izzo talked about all the speeches, analogies, etc that the team has had this season: visiting the B1G Football Championship, visiting Dan Gilbert, a talk with Navy Seals about next man up, several former players coming into the locker room, players only meetings – that has to stop. I’m sure the team is already putting enough pressure on themselves to win games and get to the Final Four, they don’t need any more external motivators. The drive at this point must come from inside each of them if they’re going to be successful, both this season and for the rest of their lives.

On this team, there is too much talent and potential to be putting forth such lackluster results. Regardless of winning or losing, it’s how they look while doing it that is most confusing. The Illinois game was the least Izzo looking team I’ve seen in years.  They’ve looked soft at times during this season, but this was a new low as they were out hustled on both ends and had low energy (even when coming in off the bench) despite a lengthy layoff between games. I definitely have some strength and conditioning questions at this point, although I’m sure it’s related to the injuries. For a coach that is so focused on free throws each day, they’ve been awful from the charity stripe. The team consistently looked confused on offense and had far too many empty possessions to keep themselves in the game. Between turnovers and missed jump shots (many of which were settled on), they beat themselves. I’m starting to wonder if this team is doomed whenever they face a team that has long and physical guards as that seems to bring the MSU offense to a screeching halt.

It’s obvious that this team has no captain when you see how they struggle for a leader on the court. While the blame for the problems this season can’t be pinned on one player, there are a few who have to get it together and find their voice…or find their way to the bench. Both seniors have been stars at times and liabilities at others. Adreian Payne probably had his worst game of the season on Saturday with physical play against him seemed to get into his head and knock him off his game. He has to play through that and continue to work on his conditioning to avoid fatigue issues. Keith Appling has no confidence in his shot after the wrist injury and everyone knows it. He’s hot in shootarounds but hesitant in real time – that has to change or he needs to spend more time getting healthy before being out on the court. Gary Harris has such a great shot and can take over games but has to play within himself and not be so quick to answer with a 3 when the other team hits one. Denzel Valentine has grown so much since last season but needs attack the rim more and also be in more control to avoid turnovers. Everyone has roles to fill in the coming weeks and it will be on Coach Izzo to make sure everyone is playing positions that let them reach their potential.

Anyone who knows me also knows that I love Tom Izzo as the head coach of my beloved Spartans. However, he’s been testing me this year and I’ve even went to twitter a couple times to call him out when the opposing coach appears to have the best of him. Yes, he has looked outcoached at times and the team’s preparation for adjustments out of timeouts has been horrible. I understand that it’s a challenge for him to have to keep changing plays and sets based on personnel and also hard for them to know where to go when playing so many different positions. This has to get ironed out though because it’s officially crunch time. I’m also starting to worry if his message is getting old. Between his yelling and all the motivating factors mentioned earlier, it may be too much for kids that should just be out there to play a game they love. For the rest of the season, I would love to see less set plays and more of the team having fun as they work together to create offense and try to win doing what they know best – just playing the game without thinking too much.

For the Spartans, I’ll be interested to see what adjustments are made before facing off against Iowa for Senior Night. Both teams could use the W for B1G standings going into their final game and the tourney. Perhaps hoping the daylight savings change this weekend will bring the end of darkness for Spartan hoops this season and the tournaments will be the dawn of a memorable March. Go Green!