Editorial: MSU, U-of-M hoop struggles

From The Lookout Staff

Michigan State and the University of Michigan’s basketball teams are both known for success year in and year out.

This year, that success has not been there. MSU is a measly 13-7 and U-of-M is 11-8.

We at The Lookout feel that is subpar considering the storied past of the two programs. Both have won national championships, while MSU has made it to 10 final fours, and U-of-M eight.

The Lookout staff believes it is unacceptable, and rather boring, for the two massive rivals to seemingly be playing toward the NIT Tournament, or an early NCAA Tournament exit.

For reference, the Wolverines have won 25 or more games six times since 2012-13. The Spartans have also won 25 or more games six times in the same time frame.

This is an entire decade of excellence, yet here both teams are struggling this year.

With the recent spiral, it can be hard not to look at coaching. Michigan’s Juwan Howard is relatively unproven in his fourth year coaching. MSU’s Tom Izzo, the more proven winner in his 28th year, is getting closer to his exit from the Spartans at 67 years old.

Now, The Lookout staff likes to look at the positives. Firing either coach would be an overreaction at this point.

The biggest positive is there’s still plenty of season left, and things can change.

Another positive: recruiting. According to 247Sports, Michigan State has the number three recruiting class in the country for next season. Michigan owns the number 43 class in 2023 after pulling in the number nine class for 2022.

You need good players to win; recruiting is the way to acquire those players.

Do not stress too much fans, glory will soon return. Until then, enjoy player development and chemistry growth, and root for a potential late-season turnaround.