
<?phpxml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<rss version="2.0" 
xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
>
<channel>
<title>Spartan Sports Page / Published News / Men's Basketball</title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com</link>
<description>Social Web CMS Web 2.0 Content Management System</description>
<pubDate>Sun, 19 May 2013 10:43:10 MDT</pubDate>
<language>en</language>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Report: Nets have interest in Scott Skiles]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/report-nets-have-interest-in-scott-skiles</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/report-nets-have-interest-in-scott-skiles</comments>
<pubDate>Sun, 19 May 2013 10:43:10 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/report-nets-have-interest-in-scott-skiles</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The Racine Journal Times reports an interesting new name to come out for the Nets head coaching position: "What is surprising, though, is that the Nets also have put Scott Skiles on their short list. Skiles was fired by the Bucks in January after four-plus tumultuous seasons in Milwaukee. Under Skiles, the Bucks had constant internal issues and qualified for the playoffs just once."]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Player respect for Tom Izzo noticeable to recruit Tyus Jones]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/player-respect-for-tom-izzo-noticeable-to-recruit-tyus-jones</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/player-respect-for-tom-izzo-noticeable-to-recruit-tyus-jones</comments>
<pubDate>Sun, 19 May 2013 07:27:51 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/player-respect-for-tom-izzo-noticeable-to-recruit-tyus-jones</guid>
<description><![CDATA["Coach Izzo, I look at the respect his players have for him," Jones told 247Sports.com. "It goes to show what type of coach he is and how his players respect him and feel for him. It's great for them to have a relationship with him like that."<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Tom Izzo: Michigan-Michigan State now 'a good rivalry' that should be talked about]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/tom-izzo-michigan-michigan-state-now-a-good-rivalry-that-should-be-talked-about</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/tom-izzo-michigan-michigan-state-now-a-good-rivalry-that-should-be-talked-about</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:46 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/tom-izzo-michigan-michigan-state-now-a-good-rivalry-that-should-be-talked-about</guid>
<description><![CDATA["If you're going to have a good rivalry, then you've got to have two good teams. Right now, we've got two good teams. Hopefully that means that'll be some great water cooler conversations throughout the state."]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Michigan State will take part in Dick Vitale's charity gala]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/michigan-state-will-take-part-in-dick-vitales-charity-gala</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/michigan-state-will-take-part-in-dick-vitales-charity-gala</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 04:24:04 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/michigan-state-will-take-part-in-dick-vitales-charity-gala</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Dick Vitale got emotional Thursday as he talked about the disease that will bring him together tonight with Tom Izzo, Adreian Payne and a 7-year-old from St. Johns who is battling it.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Tom Izzo speaks at Salvation Army of Kalamazoo fundraiser about mentoring, listening to kids]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/tom-izzo-speaks-at-salvation-army-of-kalamazoo-fundraiser-about-mentoring-listening-to-kids</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/tom-izzo-speaks-at-salvation-army-of-kalamazoo-fundraiser-about-mentoring-listening-to-kids</comments>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2013 20:14:50 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/tom-izzo-speaks-at-salvation-army-of-kalamazoo-fundraiser-about-mentoring-listening-to-kids</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Tom Izzo spoke passionately to a group of donors Thursday evening, though these boosters were not the ones who were going to get the Michigan State University basketball coach new uniforms or facility upgrades.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Derrick Nix, former foe Jared Berggren bond after Big Ten careers]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/derrick-nix-former-foe-jared-berggren-bond-after-big-ten-careers</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/derrick-nix-former-foe-jared-berggren-bond-after-big-ten-careers</comments>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2013 12:43:16 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/derrick-nix-former-foe-jared-berggren-bond-after-big-ten-careers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Former Michigan State center Derrick Nix follows only three people on Twitter, and one of them happens to be fellow big man Jared Berggren, who spent four years going up against Nix while at Wisconsin. A friendship between them might have been unlikely, but began to blossom after the two were roommates while playing on the same team last month in the Portsmouth Invitation Tournament, a showcase for departing seniors hoping to play professionally.]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Michigan State recruiting 'going well,' according to Pat Narduzzi]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/michigan-state-recruiting-going-well-according-to-pat-narduzzi</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/michigan-state-recruiting-going-well-according-to-pat-narduzzi</comments>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2013 05:13:15 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/michigan-state-recruiting-going-well-according-to-pat-narduzzi</guid>
<description><![CDATA['Head coach' Pat Narduzzi mostly sat on the bench and chuckled as former players such as Jon Misch and Chris Norman played casual basketball for charity against the Lions on Tuesday, but he jumped to his feet after current player Joel Heath threw down a dunk.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Spartan Basketball All Access: A New Beginning]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/spartan-basketball-all-access-a-new-beginning</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/spartan-basketball-all-access-a-new-beginning</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 12:55:26 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/spartan-basketball-all-access-a-new-beginning</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<br /><youtube>ViDaCY0rl1w</youtube><br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Michigan State gets no breaks from Big Ten scheduling computer]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/michigan-state-gets-no-breaks-from-big-ten-scheduling-computer</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/michigan-state-gets-no-breaks-from-big-ten-scheduling-computer</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 07:25:42 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/michigan-state-gets-no-breaks-from-big-ten-scheduling-computer</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Michigan State likely will be the Big Ten favorite entering next basketball season, but its league schedule won't be one of the reasons. Tom Izzo's relationship with the Big Ten "scheduling computer" may be a bit more strained after "one plays" for the 2013-14 season were announced Tuesday. The Spartans will play Nebraska and Minnesota at home only, and Purdue and Wisconsin on the road only.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Audio: Tom Izzo on The Huge Show - May 10, 2013]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/audio-tom-izzo-on-the-huge-show---may-10-2013</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/audio-tom-izzo-on-the-huge-show---may-10-2013</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 15:31:58 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/audio-tom-izzo-on-the-huge-show---may-10-2013</guid>
<description><![CDATA[MSU head basketball coach talks about Payne and Harris coming back next season, Spartans in the NBA and looking ahead to next season]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Jud Heathcote tribute and MSU's game vs. Gonzaga off, says Mark Hollis]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/jud-heathcote-tribute-and-msus-game-vs--gonzaga-off-says-mark-hollis</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/jud-heathcote-tribute-and-msus-game-vs--gonzaga-off-says-mark-hollis</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 15:25:51 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/jud-heathcote-tribute-and-msus-game-vs--gonzaga-off-says-mark-hollis</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ESPN.com reported today that Washington State had taken care of a scheduling conflict to be able to participate, but the event was shelved for good later in the day.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[College basketball poised to adopt new rules, to Tom Izzo's delight]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/college-basketball-poised-to-adopt-new-rules-to-tom-izzos-delight</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/college-basketball-poised-to-adopt-new-rules-to-tom-izzos-delight</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 12:13:15 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/college-basketball-poised-to-adopt-new-rules-to-tom-izzos-delight</guid>
<description><![CDATA[An adjustment to block-charge guidelines is the most significant rules tweak to emerge from this week's NCAA Men's Basketball Rules Committee meetings in Indianapolis. If it and other changes are approved, as expected, on June 18 and put into effect next season, a defender will have to be set earlier, before an offensive player begins his upward motion to shoot or pass - not before the offensive player is in the air, as in the past.]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Dawson’s Journey Could End in Triumph]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/dawsonrsquos-journey-could-end-in-triumph</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/dawsonrsquos-journey-could-end-in-triumph</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 09:49:17 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/dawsonrsquos-journey-could-end-in-triumph</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Dawson faces the most important offseason of his young, basketball career. If Dawson is able to gain back that explosiveness, develop his mid-range jump shot, and get that knee back to full strength, then this team will have a real shot at a national championship.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Austin Thornton and Idong Ibok address obesity in FitKids 360 program]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/austin-thornton-and-idong-ibok-address-obesity-in-fitkids-360-program</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/austin-thornton-and-idong-ibok-address-obesity-in-fitkids-360-program</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 04:09:43 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/austin-thornton-and-idong-ibok-address-obesity-in-fitkids-360-program</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Austin Thornton admits that he has never had to deal with a weight problem growing up. But the former Cedar Springs and Michigan State University basketball player realizes that obesity in the state of Michigan is a serious problem and he wants to help. So Thornton was one of two former Spartans, the other being Idong Ibok, that was at Priority Health's Conference Center Thursday, May 9, to speak in front of 20 kids that are part of the FitKids 360 program.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Even if Michigan State plays at Gonzaga, another marquee game could be in works]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/even-if-michigan-state-plays-at-gonzaga-another-marquee-game-could-be-in-works</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/even-if-michigan-state-plays-at-gonzaga-another-marquee-game-could-be-in-works</comments>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2013 18:02:07 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/even-if-michigan-state-plays-at-gonzaga-another-marquee-game-could-be-in-works</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Don't put a bow just yet on that Michigan State basketball schedule - another big game or two still could be in the works. The Spartans - expected to be a preseason top-five team - will play possible preseason No. 1 Kentucky on Nov. 12 in Chicago; take part in the Coaches Vs. Cancer Classic on Nov. 22-23 in Brooklyn, N.Y., along with Oklahoma, Virginia Tech and Seton Hall; host North Carolina on Dec. 4 in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge; and visit Texas on Dec. 21, a date Texas confirmed Thursday. MSU also intends to play Gonzaga on Dec. 7 in Spokane, Wash., in an event to honor former MSU head coach Jud Heathcote. <br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Michigan State basketball game date at Texas announced, Dec. 21]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/michigan-state-basketball-game-date-at-texas-announced-dec--21</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/michigan-state-basketball-game-date-at-texas-announced-dec--21</comments>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2013 13:13:22 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/michigan-state-basketball-game-date-at-texas-announced-dec--21</guid>
<description><![CDATA[- The University of Texas basketball team announced on Thursday that it will play host to Michigan State on Dec. 21 this season. It's yet another marquee matchup for the Spartans, who recently announced they will play North Carolina at the Breslin Center on Dec. 4 in the Big-Ten ACC Challenge.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Michigan State Spartans may have best team of Tom Izzo era]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/michigan-state-spartans-may-have-best-team-of-tom-izzo-era</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/michigan-state-spartans-may-have-best-team-of-tom-izzo-era</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 13:36:12 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/michigan-state-spartans-may-have-best-team-of-tom-izzo-era</guid>
<description><![CDATA[This Michigan State team has a world of potential. Gary Harris and Adreian Payne were potential first-rounders in this upcoming draft, but they opted to return to East Lansing. They want the opportunity to cut down the nets in Cowboys Stadium in 2014. They are dedicated to wearing the green and white, and this team has a chance to be very special.]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[MSU To Host North Carolina In Big Ten/ACC Challenge]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/msu-to-host-north-carolina-in-big-tenacc-challenge</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/msu-to-host-north-carolina-in-big-tenacc-challenge</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 12:16:23 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/msu-to-host-north-carolina-in-big-tenacc-challenge</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Michigan State will host North Carolina in the 2013 Big Ten/ACC Challenge on Wednesday, December 4. The two teams are meeting for the fifth time in the challenge history, making UNC MSU's most played opponent in the 15-year history of the challenge.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Dick Vitale says: 'this might be the best team that Michigan State has ever had']]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/dick-vitale-says-this-might-be-the-best-team-that-michigan-state-has-ever-had</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/dick-vitale-says-this-might-be-the-best-team-that-michigan-state-has-ever-had</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 10:22:22 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/dick-vitale-says-this-might-be-the-best-team-that-michigan-state-has-ever-had</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Vitale, who was in Grand Rapids on Tuesday to talk to the Chamber of Commerce, told FOX-17, WXMI-TV that the Spartans will be in his top two of his preseason rankings.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Audio: Gary Harris on The Dan Dakich Show - May 7, 2013]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/audio-gary-harris-on-the-dan-dakich-show---may-7-2013</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/audio-gary-harris-on-the-dan-dakich-show---may-7-2013</comments>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2013 13:35:46 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/audio-gary-harris-on-the-dan-dakich-show---may-7-2013</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Former Indiana Mr. Basketball and B1G Freshman of the Year at Michigan State took some time to chat with Dan about deciding to stay his freshman year, what made him make the decision and how he is working out twice a day to get better for next season.]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Matt Costello, Alex Gauna, on the clock at center]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/matt-costello-alex-gauna-on-the-clock-at-center</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/matt-costello-alex-gauna-on-the-clock-at-center</comments>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2013 05:18:37 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/matt-costello-alex-gauna-on-the-clock-at-center</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Matt Costello is on the clock, and Alex Gauna will be pushing hard. The first and most obvious question Michigan State basketball faces next season will be replacing departed senior center Derrick Nix.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Tom Izzo identifies on-court issues Spartans must work on]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/tom-izzo-identifies-on-court-issues-spartans-must-work-on</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/tom-izzo-identifies-on-court-issues-spartans-must-work-on</comments>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2013 15:15:33 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/tom-izzo-identifies-on-court-issues-spartans-must-work-on</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Tom Izzo wants a healthy basketball team next season, that much he makes clear up front. But even with all of his players on the floor, the Spartans had their challenges at times, and Izzo got right to the point with where the improvement needs to start during last Thursday's ESPNU's podcast with analysts Andy Katz and Seth Greenberg.<br /><br /><a href="http://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=9235290">Listen Here</a> starting at about 38:00.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Draymond Green shakes off rough rookie season to contribute in playoffs for Warriors]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/draymond-green-shakes-off-rough-rookie-season-to-contribute-in-playoffs-for-warriors</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/draymond-green-shakes-off-rough-rookie-season-to-contribute-in-playoffs-for-warriors</comments>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2013 04:31:02 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/draymond-green-shakes-off-rough-rookie-season-to-contribute-in-playoffs-for-warriors</guid>
<description><![CDATA[There is a reason Draymond Green fell to the second round in last year's NBA draft. It's just that no one can remember it. Not now, not after the 6-foot-7, 230-pound power forward jumped off the bench to help save Golden State's season last week. Not after the former Michigan State All-America barreled into crunch time as the Warriors' lead was slipping and played with the guts of a 10-year veteran late Thursday night.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Michigan State degree in hand, more mature Derrick Nix looks ahead to pros]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/michigan-state-degree-in-hand-more-mature-derrick-nix-looks-ahead-to-pros</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/michigan-state-degree-in-hand-more-mature-derrick-nix-looks-ahead-to-pros</comments>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2013 04:28:40 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/michigan-state-degree-in-hand-more-mature-derrick-nix-looks-ahead-to-pros</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Before Derrick Nix received his bachelor's degree Saturday, 37 Michigan State basketball predecessors did the same under Tom Izzo. Still, this one felt like a big one around the MSU basketball offices and the Clara Bell Smith academic center - and not just because Nix is 6-foot-9 and around 275 pounds. He was not a strong or especially interested student when he arrived from Detroit Pershing, and his missteps in East Lansing were well-documented. But so was his significant all-around growth into a team captain, quality player and owner of a sociology degree.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Tom Izzo puts 'health' at the top of his list for keys to next season]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/tom-izzo-puts-health-at-the-top-of-his-list-for-keys-to-next-season</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/tom-izzo-puts-health-at-the-top-of-his-list-for-keys-to-next-season</comments>
<pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2013 16:49:53 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/tom-izzo-puts-health-at-the-top-of-his-list-for-keys-to-next-season</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Asked during an ESPN Podcast with Andy Katz and Seth Greenberg what would be one area he would want to shore up, Izzo alluded to the health issues that prevented Michigan State from ever really getting on track last season.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Tom Izzo burning up recruiting trails; Jahlil Okafor and Cliff Alexander among stops]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/tom-izzo-burning-up-recruiting-trails-jahlil-okafor-and-cliff-alexander-among-stops-1</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/tom-izzo-burning-up-recruiting-trails-jahlil-okafor-and-cliff-alexander-among-stops-1</comments>
<pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2013 08:00:48 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/tom-izzo-burning-up-recruiting-trails-jahlil-okafor-and-cliff-alexander-among-stops-1</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Tom Izzo is mixing it up on the recruiting trails with his fellow future hall of fame coaches, wedging his way into the battle for the services of the best prospect in the Class of 2014, Jahlil Okafor. According to a Chicago Sun-Times Season Pass story, Izzo made an in-home visit to the Okafors last week, as did Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski and Kansas coach Bill Self.]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Michigan State basketball is drafting up big plans]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/michigan-state-basketball-is-drafting-up-big-plans</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/michigan-state-basketball-is-drafting-up-big-plans</comments>
<pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2013 04:46:00 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/michigan-state-basketball-is-drafting-up-big-plans</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Tom Izzo turned down a position in the NBA, more than once, yet it remains a regular part of his thought process as a college coach. His Michigan State players want jobs in it. Conventional NCAA tournament wisdom says a college team needs at least three players with futures in it to win a national championship. And prospects talk about it as much as anything when comparing their college options.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Rule change will allow more time between October practice dates]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/rule-change-will-allow-more-time-between-october-practice-dates</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/rule-change-will-allow-more-time-between-october-practice-dates</comments>
<pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2013 04:42:58 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/rule-change-will-allow-more-time-between-october-practice-dates</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Midnight Madness events could be sprinkled through the month of October under an NCAA rule change, but the point of the change is to give players a break. The Legislative Council finalized last week a measure that will allow teams to start practicing six weeks before the season starts - two weeks earlier than before. There will still be 30 practice days, but that can now be spread out, and first practices can be held on the Friday closest to Oct. 1 rather than the Friday closest to Oct. 15.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Staying at MSU gives Adreian Payne better chance to be ready for NBA]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/staying-at-msu-gives-adreian-payne-better-chance-to-be-ready-for-nba</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/staying-at-msu-gives-adreian-payne-better-chance-to-be-ready-for-nba</comments>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2013 18:07:22 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/staying-at-msu-gives-adreian-payne-better-chance-to-be-ready-for-nba</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Getting to the NBA no longer is the key. Sticking there, rather, is the bigger hurdle to overcome and that was at least of some concern to both Payne and Tom Izzo, not to mention Payne's high school coaches Art Winston and Mark Parker.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[MSU offers 2014 Chicago PG Tyler Ulis]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/msu-offers-2014-chicago-pg-tyler-ulis</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/msu-offers-2014-chicago-pg-tyler-ulis</comments>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2013 05:02:10 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/msu-offers-2014-chicago-pg-tyler-ulis</guid>
<description><![CDATA[To offer or not to offer Tyler Ulis? That had been the question but it appears MSU has reached an answer as a report came out tonight that Coach Izzo has extended an invitation to this dynamic Chicago floor general. <br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Video: Derrick Nix Graduation]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/video-derrick-nix-graduation</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/video-derrick-nix-graduation</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2013 12:36:10 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/video-derrick-nix-graduation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<br /><youtube>_9smn8Sd6zE</youtube><br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Grinz On Green: Nix Graduates]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/grinz-on-green-nix-graduates</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/grinz-on-green-nix-graduates</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2013 12:33:53 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/grinz-on-green-nix-graduates</guid>
<description><![CDATA[There are plenty of photographs showing Derrick Nix wearing his Michigan State basketball uniform while standing next to head coach Tom Izzo. But the one taken Wednesday of Nix in a cap and gown is why Izzo is affectionately calling the former Spartan center "the miracle on Birch Street" these days.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Payne’s Return Makes Spartans a True Title Contender]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/paynersquos-return-makes-spartans-a-true-title-contender</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/paynersquos-return-makes-spartans-a-true-title-contender</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2013 12:31:29 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/paynersquos-return-makes-spartans-a-true-title-contender</guid>
<description><![CDATA[When any talented underclassman chooses to forgo the NBA Draft and return to school, fans begin to look ahead and build expectations for the upcoming season. With that said, let's put Michigan State's expectations for the 2013-14 season into proper perspective, now that Adreian Payne has announced he will be returning for his senior year.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Tom Izzo wants Adreian Payne more prepared for potential NBA life challenges]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/tom-izzo-wants-adreian-payne-more-prepared-for-potential-nba-life-challenges</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/tom-izzo-wants-adreian-payne-more-prepared-for-potential-nba-life-challenges</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2013 08:29:21 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/tom-izzo-wants-adreian-payne-more-prepared-for-potential-nba-life-challenges</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Izzo grew particularly close to Payne last season, and the extra time the two spent together watching film on team flights had a direct impact on how and when Payne's game took off last season.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Playoff Time is Draymond Time]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/playoff-time-is-draymond-time</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/playoff-time-is-draymond-time</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2013 08:20:40 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/playoff-time-is-draymond-time</guid>
<description><![CDATA[After shooting just 20.9% on 3-pointers during the regular season this year, he's made 6 of 12 attempts from beyond the arc in the playoffs. He went for 16 and 10 in last night's series-clinching win.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[ESPN analyst Seth Greenberg makes Michigan State his preseason No. 1 pick]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/espn-analyst-seth-greenberg-makes-michigan-state-his-preseason-no--1-pick</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/espn-analyst-seth-greenberg-makes-michigan-state-his-preseason-no--1-pick</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2013 05:12:08 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/espn-analyst-seth-greenberg-makes-michigan-state-his-preseason-no--1-pick</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ESPN analyst and former Virginia Tech coach Seth Greenberg is on the record with Michigan State as his No. 1 team in his "Way Too Early Top 25,'' revealed on Thursday in an ESPNU podcast with fellow analyst Andy Katz.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[MSU basketball might play Gonzaga as part of Jud Heathcote tribute]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/msu-basketball-might-play-gonzaga-as-part-of-jud-heathcote-tribute</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/msu-basketball-might-play-gonzaga-as-part-of-jud-heathcote-tribute</comments>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2013 14:45:31 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/msu-basketball-might-play-gonzaga-as-part-of-jud-heathcote-tribute</guid>
<description><![CDATA[If athletic director Mark Hollis has his way, the next big Michigan State basketball event will be centered around a tribute to the mentor he shares with Tom Izzo. MSU is trying to put together a doubleheader to be played Dec. 7 at Spokane Arena in Spokane, Wash., featuring the four programs that are tied to Jud Heathcote, Hollis said today. MSU would play Gonzaga in one of the games, and Montana and Washington State would play in the other.]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Gary Harris, Adreian Payne getting preseason All-America love]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/gary-harris-adreian-payne-getting-preseason-all-america-love</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/gary-harris-adreian-payne-getting-preseason-all-america-love</comments>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2013 11:37:44 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/gary-harris-adreian-payne-getting-preseason-all-america-love</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Postseason All-America teams mean much more than preseason All-America teams, of course, but MSU senior forward Adreian Payne and sophomore guard Gary Harris will have a head start when next season begins. They've been on every major early All-America team released this week.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Gary Harris and Adreian Payne on USA Today preseason All-American teams]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/gary-harris-and-adreian-payne-on-usa-today-preseason-all-american-teams</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/gary-harris-and-adreian-payne-on-usa-today-preseason-all-american-teams</comments>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2013 09:31:36 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/gary-harris-and-adreian-payne-on-usa-today-preseason-all-american-teams</guid>
<description><![CDATA[It didn't take long for the decisions of Adreian Payne and Gary Harris to return for another season of college basketball to translate into All-American talk. USA Today college basketball writer Nicole Auerbach released her preseason All-American teams on Thursday, and both Payne and Harris received mention.<br />]]></description>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Tom Izzo shares winks, nods with nation's No. 1 prospect in Class of 2014]]></title>
<link>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/tom-izzo-shares-winks-nods-with-nations-no--1-prospect-in-class-of-2014</link>
<comments>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/tom-izzo-shares-winks-nods-with-nations-no--1-prospect-in-class-of-2014</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2013 08:15:09 MDT</pubDate>
<dc:creator>elindbloom</dc:creator>
<category>Men's Basketball</category>
<guid>http://www.spartansportspage.com/story/title/tom-izzo-shares-winks-nods-with-nations-no--1-prospect-in-class-of-2014</guid>
<description><![CDATA[NCAA rules prevented Izzo from going into any detail about who he was going to see at the AAU tournament in Virginia, but a recent USA Today story shed light on that. Izzo, it seems, was sharing a wink and a nod with Jahlil Okafor, a 6-foot-11, 260-pound post from Whitney Young High School in Chicago who Rivals.com ranks as the No. 1 payer in the Class of 2014.]]></description>
</item>

</channel>
</rss>
