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| 3. MICHIGAN STATE |
LAST YEAR: 32-7 |
'99-00 RANK: #1 |
 Why No. 3?: The defending champs should be taken seriously as a threat to win the title again. Jason Richardson and Zach Randolph were two of the top players this summer, improving more than anyone but Duke's Jason Williams. Richardson was the top talent against the U.S. Olympians in August and suddenly the Spartans have a better version of Morris Peterson returning. Randolph beat up Duke's Boozer in the U.S. Under 20 national trials, giving the Spartans a legit finisher in the post -- something they didn't even have when they won the title. Marcus Taylor has been primed to replace Mateen Cleaves at the point and is a more consistent scorer. Charlie Bell matured into a reliable shooting guard and the surprise of the summer has been the inspired and productive play of returning forward Andre Hutson. That's just the starting five. The Spartans are deep at every position with Mike Chappell able to play two positions, Adam Ballinger, Aloysius Anagonye and Adam Wolfe frontcourt support, and the versatile David Thomas as a potential spot backup to Taylor, Richardson or Bell. Richardson is hungry to win a title where he's the go-to guy and Randolph may bolt after this year making his window of opportunity extremely tight.
Will Climb If: Taylor is as good as advertised. He doesn't have Cleaves' experience, but the book on him is he's got the leadership skills. The Spartans could make a case for No. 1 if they get by North Carolina in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, Florida, Kentucky and Seton Hall. But here's the catch -- all of those games are at home.
Will Fall If: The Spartans slip up at home, Randolph hits a freshman wall and Bell is uneasy by being a third option. Bell waited his turn, but he has to remain unselfish for this to work. Richardson and Randolph have to be the first two options and, even Hutson, may get more looks than Bell.
Bilas Breakdown | HTV's Take | Team Page
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"Michigan State will be the team to beat once again this season. They will also once again be the deepest team in the country. Look for Jason Richardson to have a breakout year and be an All-American. The leadership of seniors Charlie Bell, Andre Hutson and Mike Chappell will be a key to the Spartans' success."
Jon Styf, East Lansing, Mich.
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