According to ESPN, the Michigan State men’s basketball team is going to be very formidable this year.
ESPN released an updated version of their way-too-early 2020 rankings this morning in which the Spartans surged up to the No. 8 spot. Note, in the previous iteration of the way-too-early rankings, Michigan State originally ranked No. 10.
Here is what Jeff Borzello of ESPN had to say about his ranking for the Spartans:
The ultimate X factor in college basketball next season is going to be Joshua Langford, who missed the past season and a half because of a left foot injury. Langford has a year of eligibility left, though, and Tom Izzo told reporters in May that “if he’s healthy, his hope is to play.” Of course, we haven’t seen Langford play since December 2018, but if he is anything close to his pre-injury self, Izzo will have one of the best wings in the country at his disposal. He was averaging 15 points prior to his injury and hit double figures in every game as a junior. Fortunately for Izzo, he doesn’t need to count on Langford being a star again. Gabe Brown and Aaron Henry should both be back on the wings, and Marquette transfer Joey Hauser will bring perimeter shooting and scoring punch after sitting out last season. But a healthy Langford would be a great luxury to have.
Keep in mind, this ranking includes a projected starting lineup of Rocket Watts, Gabe Brown, Aaron Henry, Joey Hauser, and Xavier Tillman. It’s uncertain just yet if Henry or Tillman will return to Michigan State. We’ll see how these decisions impact the Spartan’s rankings for the 2020 season.
Iowa and Wisconsin are the only two Big Ten teams ahead of MSU in this version of ESPN’s rankings.
