The Spartans found out leading up to the game that head coach Mark Dantonio could not be in the coaches box because of a blood clot.
The team went out and dedicated their effort to their stricken head coach, using the same gutsy play-calling that personifies Dantonio.
In a showdown of two of the Big 10’s top teams, the Spartans were able to withstand a late Badgers’ rally.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins finished with 267 yards passing and three touchdowns, and the team overcame his two interceptions.
]]>The heart attack happened sometime after midnight, and Dantonio was taken to a hospital and underwent surgery.
The good news is that it was considered a mild heart attack and doctors say he is doing just fine and his prognosis is good.
Doctors cite the fact that he came to the hospital when he first thought something was wrong as a big reason everything turned out well.
That said, Dantonio will be taking an indefinite leave of absence as the team’s head coach and offensive coordinator Don Treadwell will take the reigns.
]]>It was rumored throughout the spring and summer that the Spartans would likely lose at least one player to transfer.
The team has a very crowded backcourt situation that only became more crazy with Korie Lucious breaking out in the NCAA tournament.
Allen saw that he would likely be the odd man out between Lucious and Kalin Lucas and decided to hit the road.
It’s an interesting decision to head to Iowa State, as he will get to play his former team at least one a year.
]]>Lucas tore his Achilles tendon during the second round of last year’s NCAA basketball tournament.
The guard said that he likely would be somewhere else this year playing professional basketball had it not been for the injury.
He said that there are a lot of expectations for the Spartans and for himself in his senior year.
Lucas has been working hard on rehabbing his injury and working his way back into playing shape.
]]>One of the big reasons Izzo turned down the job is that he was never able to speak with LeBron James.
Before taking the job, Izzo would want to make sure that he would have the opportunity to coach James.
Instead of coaching superstars in the NBA, Izzo will return to developing them at the college level.
Izzo said that the decision was a life choice, meaning he will not be entertaining any other offers in the future.
]]>Izzo told his Michigan State players that he’s still undecided. On Thursday, he flew to Cleveland to meet with the Cavs, a meeting that lasted several hours. It was reported that the meeting was more like a recruiting visit for him and his family than anything else. Izzo has been tempted by NBA offers in the past but dismissed them relatively quickly, another sign that he’s taking this offer far more seriously.
Izzo had said in the past that he wouldn’t consider leaving East Lansing until he won another national championship. The team he’s returning this coming season looks to give him his best opportunity. The Spartans are sure to be ranked in the top five in the preseason, returning Big 10 player of the year Kailin Lucas along with Draymond Green and other significant contributors.
But a contract offer from the Cavs that will pay him $3 million more per year than he makes at Michigan State is enough to give the offer some serious thought. And with a long history of college coaches leaving for the NBA to get paid, only to return to college after it didn’t work out, Izzo could surely do the same and ensure his and his family’s financial well-being.
]]>A report claims that the Cavaliers are willing to offer Izzo $6 million per year over five years.
Izzo makes a little over $3 million per year with the Spartans, so it would be a significant raise.
The coach has said previously that he is not interested in the NBA, but he has left the door open to make the leap.
The Cavaliers say they have also contacted a number of other coaches, so they aren’t only after Izzo.
]]>Izzo’s name has popped up on the NBA radar screen more than once in the past, but he has never made a move.
The Cleveland job isn’t all that far from his home in East Lansing, which would make it less of an adjustment.
That said, Izzo has already laughed off any speculation he will make a jump to the NBA.
He has made it perfectly clear he is happy with the Spartans and that Cavaliers owner Daniel Gilbert hasn’t been ringing his phone off the hook.
]]>Lucious, an unheralded guard during the regular season, took to the spotlight in the NCAA tournament.
Because of injuries to both Kalin Lucas and Chris Allen, Lucious took over the point guard role and flourished.
He hit a huge, game-winning shot to beat the Maryland Terrapins to advance to the Sweet 16 and helped lead the Spartans to the Final Four.
The guard wants significant playing time but knows he will be stuck behind Lucas at the point guard position.
]]>The announcement instantly pushes the Spartans up high in the rankings and raises hopes of another national championship in Lansing.
Summers, who was a solid player but nothing special, came out of nowhere to become one of the best players in the NCAA tournament this year.
Lucas had been widely regarded as one of the top point guards in the country but missed the end of the team’s tournament run because of a torn ACL.
The point guard is working hard to rehab the injury and is hopeful that he will be 100 percent in time for the start of basketball practice next fall.
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