Heart & Soul

Regardless of what happens with Michigan State, one thing is

certain:  the Spartans will go as far as their leader Draymond Green is able to take

them.

Draymond Green is one of the more respected players in the Big Ten for many reasons.  His scoring ability is exceptional for a Power Forward, but his defense, rebounding, and leadership set him apart from the competition.  Despite their four losses, Green has still managed to average 11 points & 12.5 rebounds in defeat.  So, the point is that even if Michigan State doesn't finish the night with a victory, it will not be due to a lack of effort by #23.

Now, Michigan State has an extremely talented team, don't get me wrong.  Branden Dawson & Keith Appling are both talented sophomores with tons of potential.  But Green stands out above all of the others on Tom Izzo's squad.  The Senior has been to the final four twice, first when they lost to North Carolina in 2009, and during their 2010 semi-final loss to Butler.

Nowhere near being the most intriguing NBA prospect, this may be his last shot at glory.  Although he can shoot from the outside better than many Power Forwards, he may be a bit of a tweener at the next level.  Playing overseas is where most believe he will be for much of his professional career.

But for the time being, he is producing for Michigan State at a high level.  What he brings to the table in terms of leadership is not something that can be taught.  Draymond Green is the primary reason why I have the Michigan State Spartans as one of my 2012 NCAA Tournament sleeper teams.

Cal State Northridge @ UC Riverside Preview

If they want to start 1-0 in conference play, the UCR Highlanders need to focus

on stopping elite level scorer Stephan Hicks of Northridge.  

Riverside hopes to get their third consecutive win tonight as the take on the Cal State Northridge Matadors.  This contest should be one of tremendous scoring outbursts from the two players who I have personally spotlighted for the game.  Forward Stephan Hicks has gone a bit under the radar this season (17 points per game, 8.3 rebounds per game).  Part of the reason may be attributed to the fact that he plays for a woeful 3-8 Matador team that last won the Big West title in the 2008-09 season.  Hicks, a freshman, is also shooting an exceptional 85% from the charity stripe.

On the other side of the court is Riverside's Phil Martin.  The senior from Staten Island has been the go-to-guy for UCR all season.  The team's leading scorer has reached the 20 point mark an impressive four times through 13 games this year.  Martin also leads the Highlanders in rebounding. 

Kareem Nitoto (UCR) and Josh Greene (CSN) are the second leading scorers for their respective teams, and can be the x-factors in their team gaining a first Big West win tonight.  Northridge is 0-1 in conference play while Riverside is yet to play a Big West game in 2011-12.

 

Prediction:  Northridge wins