Sports: Youthful Spartans Earn Nit Invite

Although the 1996-97 Spartan cagers struggled all season long, they were able to make the NIT field with a 16-11 record, 9-9 in the Big Ten. MSU achieved what was expected. Best of all, fans can expect plenty of improvement in the near future, given the team's youth and inexperience.

With first-year players like Mateen Cleaves, Morris Peterson, David Thomas and A.J. Granger playing solid roles, along with sophomores Antonio Smith and Jason Klein, it was clear MSU was not blessed with experience. That showed throughout the season, but especially in the thick of Big Ten competition, when a five-game losing streak knocked MSU out of NCAA tournament contention. MSU broke its losing streak in a 69-67 home upset of Iowa, then squeaked by Ohio State 67-65 on the road and beat Wisconsin 68-49 at home.

Both home triumphs featured former 'Dream Team' Spartans returning for special events. Former NBA Superstar Magic Johnson was in Lansing for a ceremony at his high school (see 'For the Record,') and saw MSU beat 2nd-place Iowa on a basket by Smith with 1.7 seconds left. And Dream Team II member Steve Smith, on hand for groundbreaking ceremonies of the Clara Bell Smith Academic-Support Center (see cover story), was featured during the Wisconsin halftime.

'Not since Magic's days have we had so many young players contributing,' says second-year head coach Tom Izzo. 'Young players don't play as good defense. The good thing is that they're getting experience, and they're improving. We were a much better defensive team late in the season.'

More than just defense improved during the late-season winning streak. After being hampered all season by a stress reaction in his back, Cleaves was vastly improved and delivered the ball better to the shooters, who shot better. Senior center Jon Garavaglia was inconsistent, at times playing like 'Mr. Basketball'--a title he won four years ago--and at times registering goose eggs in some stat column. Senior guard Ray Weathers proved tough, especially on defense, where he nullified some highly touted opponents. Senior co-captain Steve Polonowski provided leadership and hustle. Junior Tom Kelley sparked MSU with his ability to penetrate for layups.

There were telling statistics. MSU went 10-0 in games when it did not make more turnovers than its opponent. But throughout the season, the youthful squad was less than secure with the ball. Consistent shooting was also a problem. MSU stood 7-1 when shooting 50 percent or better, and 10-0 when shooting 40 percent or better from three-point range. Rebounding was a team strength. Antonio Smith led the Big Ten in rebounding (10.7), the second straight year a Spartan won the title. In the assists department, Cleaves still managed to rank third in the Big Ten (4.9)--often making spectacular no-look type passes. As he regains his health from a mysterious back ailment, he is likely to improve his play as well.

MSU fans will happy to know that help is on the way. MSU signed a tremendous cluster of talent for next year:

• Charlie Bell, a 6-3 guard from Flint, averaged 32.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists last year and is a leading candidate for Mr. Basketball
• Doug Davis, a 6-4 guard from Columbus, OH, averaged 19.2 points and 6.5 assists last year and is a candidate for Mr. Basketball in Ohio
• Andre Hutson, a 6-7 forward from Trotwood, OH, averaged 21 points and 14 rebounds last year.

All are considered among the Top 100 players in the nation.