My Favorite Spartan

On March 22, 2007 Tubby Smith resigned from the head coach position at Kentucky to take over the same position at Minnesota. On the surface, that seems like it has nothing to do with this blog, however had that not happened I wouldn't even be writing this.

Draymond Green, a talented forward out of Saginaw committed to Kentucky because he wanted to play for Tubby Smith. Once Tubby left, he reopened his recruitment, and eventually chose Michigan State. He went on to have a career that will go down as one of the best in MSU basketball history. In the process, he also became my favorite Spartan.

He was the quintessential glue guy his freshman, sophomore year. He rebounded, took charges, and showed glimpses of great playmaking ability. During his junior year, he stepped into a larger role. He became only the third Spartan ever to record a triple double against Penn State when he had 15 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists. He pulled off another triple double in the NCAA Tournament loss to UCLA. That was just the seventh recorded triple double in NCAA history and a prelude to what would be a special senior year.

Green took a team that lost two players to transfers, and had a starter retire prior to the season to a piece of the B1G regular season championship, the B1G conference tournament championship, and a number 1 seed. He had monster games throughout the season, including dropping 34 against Gonzaga in Spokane. He also had another triple-double in the first round of the NCAA tournament. That triple-double put him with Magic Johnson, and Oscar Robertson as the only players to have multiple triple-doubles in the NCAA tournament. That is an epic club to be a part of.

He was named first team All-American by multiple publications. He was only the fourth Spartan to achieve that honor. He also was awarded the National Association of Basketball Coaches player of the year. That is the only player of the year award to not go to Kentucky's Anthony Davis.

I have been a Spartan fan from the womb, and I haven't enjoyed watching a player more than Draymond. He played the game "the right way", and steadily improved throughout his career. In an era where cats leave after one good year, it was refreshing to see a guy stay for all four years, improve, and grow into a college superstar. I honestly feel that he can be a role player in the NBA for years, and maybe even more if he lands in the right situation.

So, thank you Tubby Smith. Had you not left Kentucky, Draymond Green would not have became a Spartan. All of the stats and facts stated above wouldn't have happened, and he wouldn't have became my favorite Spartan of all-time. Here's to you, and to it not taking another 20 years for a player similar to come through here. Go Green!!!


I'm Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr. and I approve this message.

Mr. Wilson's B1G 11-12 Men's Basketball Individual Awards

Yesterday, I gave you my All Big Ten conference picks. Check them out here: http://mrwilson42.blogspot.com/2012/03/mr-wilsons-all-b1g-team.html. Now here are my individual awards for the conference season.

Freshman of the Year: Trey Burke(Michigan)- This was one of the toughest picks. Burke and Cody Zeller have been 1A and 1B all season in this race. However, I’m going with Burke based on his play in Michigan’s biggest games, and the steady, consistent way he ran the team. He is a special point guard, and Michigan fans better enjoy this kid while they can.

Most Improved: Derrick Nix(Michigan St.)- After the MSU-Duke game, I posted on Facebook “Derrick Nix just played the worst game of a player getting significant time in Michigan State history”.  Anyone who watched that game borderline felt sorry for him. However since then, he has provided the Spartans with a consistent presence down low coming off the bench. He has shown incredible footwork, touch around the rim, and is even making his free throws now. He is an easy pick for this category in my opinion.

Defensive Player of the Year: Aaron Craft(Ohio St.)- Craft is one of the peskiest guards to come along in a while. He has shut down many of the best perimeter players in the B1G. The ones he didn’t shut down completely, he made it very difficult for them to get off the way they were used to. That is what you ask from your players, and Craft delivers it every time he steps on the floor.

Comeback Player of the Year: Robbie Hummel(Purdue)- Coming into last season, Purdue had high hopes of Hummel, E’Twaun Moore, and JaJuan Johnson leading them to the national championship. Those hopes faded when Hummel tore his ACL during the first practice. After receiving an injury redshirt from the NCAA, Hummel returned for what seems like his 20^th Big Ten season. He has played like a player who has never suffered any major injury. With averages of 16.3 ppg, 7.8 rpg, and 1.2 blocks per game, he has carried Purdue, and has them looking good for a tourney bid.  Great comeback for the young man.

Best Player Many Don’t Know: Tim Frazier(Penn St.) This is a special category, because Tim Frazier doesn’t  receive the acclaim he deserves due to playing at Penn St. I got to see him play at Michigan State, and while the Spartans destroyed Penn State, Frazier did his best to keep it a little entertaining. He’s a player that can score a variety of ways, and it’s a shame that his talent is being hidden in State College, PA.

Player of the Year: Draymond Green(Michigan St.)- Easily the most important player on a team that went from unranked in the preseason to winning a piece of the B1G regular-season championship. Green has been a leader on the floor, and a strong force in the locker room.  He has had one of the most impressive individual seasons in recent memory, including the first triple-double by a Spartan since Charlie Bell and made sure that he will go down as one of the best Spartan players ever.

There are my picks. Do you agree, disagree, think I should have put someone else? Feel free to comment and let me know what you think.

I'm Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr. and I approve this message. 

Mr. Wilson's All-B1G Team

This has been one of the better B1G basketball seasons that I can remember. A lot of good, close games, and impressive performances from all teams and players. These are the players that have stood out to me as the best in the conference.

*Stats courtesy of bigten.org

PG-Trey Burke-Michigan(Conference Stats: 15.6 points per game, 4.5 assists per game) Coming into the season, this position was expected to be locked down by Jordan Taylor. However, Trey Burke has been the most consistent point guard during B1G play. He's been his best in big games. Including making game winning plays down the stretch in numerous games. As a Spartan fan, I really hope this kid leaves soon. Very impressive player.

SG-William Buford-Ohio State(14.0 ppg, 5.7 rebounds per game) The shooting guard position in the B1G has been one of the more inconsistently played positions in the conference. Even though Buford has disappeared at times, he has still been the best shooting guard in the conference. An excellent scorer, and tough defender, he is a big reason that OSU has a chance at a piece of the conference championship.

SF-Draymond Green-Michigan State(16.5 ppg, 10.5 rpg) My pick for the B1G player of the year, and should be a first team All-American. In conference play, he is in the top 10 in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, field goal percentage, and 3 point percentage. He has been the best player on arguably the best team in the B1G.  An easy pick at this position. Michigan State will really miss him after this season.

PF- Jared Sullinger-Ohio State(17.5 ppg, 9.7 rpg) Sullinger came into the season as the favorite to win the conference player of the year. He has played well, but hasn't dominated on the level that he was expected to. His play and composure will determine how far OSU goes come tournament time.

C- Cody Zeller-Indiana(15.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg) Another freshman making the all-conference team. Zeller has been a big part of Indiana winning games against Kentucky, Ohio State, and Michigan State. His presence in the middle has made it easier for the cast of perimeter shooters on IU. He is another one that I hope doesn't stick around too long.

Well there is my team. Any players that you would replace, or disagree with? Comment and let me know. Ya'll be easy.

I'm Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr. and I approve this message.