http://www.statenews.com The MSU men’s basketball team fell one game short of the mountaintop Monday, losing to North Carolina 89-72 in the National Championship at Ford Field. But don’t despair, Spartans fans, because MSU will be back on college basketball’s biggest stage next season. With a talented nucleus of players set to return, MSU should enter the 2009 campaign as a top-five team in the nation and a foolproof favorite (I’m looking at you, Digger Phelps) to return to the Final Four. en-us Gryphon 2.2.3b-tsn (woodward)/Foundry5 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:38:54 -0400 webmaster@statenews.com http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/36285 Lucas and Morgan would be foolish to think about leaving, unless they relish the opportunity to follow in Marcus Taylor’s footsteps. Both have a lot of work to do to become “NBA-ready”. I have no doubt they’ll get there, but it’s not now. However, don’t be too surprised if Lucas is ready to go after another year. Wed, 08 Apr 2009 02:52:32 -0400 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/36285 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/36286 No offense, but Herzog will not be seeing 15 minutes of playing time per game next year. I just don’t see it. Wed, 08 Apr 2009 04:02:43 -0400 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/36286 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/36303 I agree with your second and third points, but there are better reasons why they can make it again. During Morgan’s absence Summer’s proved he can be a huge factor. Not only can he score from virtually anywhere on the court but his insane jumping abilities make him a rebounding threat as well. With Walton I see Lucious taking on a more prominent role. The kid has never seen a shot he didn’t like and he has the ability to make them, especially the threes. While he has his issues (Bad decision and turn overs) I think they are probably the easiest to fix. If he can be smart and control the ball I see him playing point allowing Lucas to play the two spot giving him more open shots. The play in the post might end up being the Achilles heal pf the team. With the exception of Herzog the current players are undersized at the five spot and even with his size Herzog is unproven. If the incoming class of big men can step up the way this years freshmen have it could be a very successful season. The X factor will be Morgan’s play. He has the abilities to do great things, we have all seen it from time to time, but can he be consistent for a season? If he become the player everyone thinks he can be pressure will be lifted off the post players and the team will be contending again next year, Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:54:15 -0400 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/36303 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/36321 Just to make sure this point is made; I was proud of Michigan State when I attended from 1989 to 1993. I have been a proud alumnus since. I have been proud of what the basketball team has done before and still am proud of them today. Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:11:59 -0400 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/36321 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/36344 We have to hope that next year’s freshman centers (Nix & Sherman) play effectively. Suton leaves a huge hole and no ID/Quise off the bench. I don’t think Herzog will play very much. PPTPW! Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:21:47 -0400 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/36344 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/36348 Is it possible that we can recruit people from outside of Michigan? It’s time to get the NBA guys every year. Also does anyone like to say yeeeeehooo when the spartans ate playing??? I like to see a matchup between Spartans and cartoon characters ha ha ha that’s funny!!! Bring back bagel fragel and bilbos!!!! Ypoooooohoooo!! Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:30:17 -0400 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/36348 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/36504 I think that Nix will be taking the job of Suton and will be a nice addition, I don’t know about him shooting the long ball like Suton was throwing down at the end of the year but keep your eyes on Nix. Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:38:54 -0400 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/36504