12 Michigan State

Key Game
Facing a stacked team of future pros that, as coach Tom Izzo says, "should be going up to [ Auburn Hills] to face the Pistons," will be a clarifying early-season test for the Spartans.

Coach
Tom Izzo (14th year)

2007--08 record
27--9

Big Ten record
12--6 (4th)

NCAA tournament
Sweet 16

my SI
SI.com/spartanspreview
While Spartans faithful mourn the departure of Drew Neitzel, one freshman power forward is endearing himself to Tom Izzo, writes Luke Winn.