Quote:
Originally Posted by Ari Gold
MSU's height is not an issue. They are going after a wing this year and obviously a 6-7 kid with the game of a 6-2 kid is preferable, buy those types don't grow on trees. Next year MSU has PLENTY of length and athleticism. Memphis is the exception, so stop with the comparisons.
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Sure it is. Now is it THE most pressing issue? Not at all but you can't tell me that Neitzel struggling with his shot against Memphis wasn't the result of him being gaurded by a kid with at least 5 inches on him. And Kalin defending Derrick Rose? That was another severe height, weight and strength mismatch. CDR and Travis? C'mon. And Purdue is another team that has a lot of team height (especially at the guard and wing positions) that may pose some problems for
MSU in the upcoming seasons.
When
MSU was rolling to Final Four after Final Four, the shortest two players on the roster were Mateen Cleaves (who was a stocky and strong 6'2") and 6'3" Charlie Bell. Everyone else (IIRC) was 6'6" and taller. When you have height like that, there are certain mismatches that you can enjoy game in and game out. It's a definite advantage and
MSU just isn't going to be able to have those mismatches (at least the ones that are in our favor) very frequently over the next handful of year with so many guards 6'3" and shorter on the roster (ie. Lucious, Lucas, Walton, Allen...and maybe Appling soon thereafter).
I've been saying for a while that Izzo needs to go after more height, length and bounce at the wing positions. More 6'5" to 6'7" combo-wings who can play a variety of positions. More Mo Pete's, Alan Andersons, JR's, Ray Morgans...hell even David Thomas. More prototypical NBA SG's regardless of whether they have legit NBA prospects and talent or not.