$Creating Michigan State Basketball\'s All-Time Starting Five$

Creating Michigan State Basketball's All-Time Starting Five

By Brian Kalchik

Creating Michigan State Basketball's All-Time Starting Five

Magic Johnson Michigan State — As a No. 7- seed in the NCAA tournament, the Michigan State Spartans defeated three of the top four seeds in the East Regional to make the Final Four. Michigan State has had an excellent tradition dating back to the 1950s, but what would the all-time Spartans starting five look like?

PG: Mateen Cleaves (1996-00)

Mateen Cleaves Michigan State

PG: Mateen Cleaves (1996-00)

Mateen Cleaves Michigan State — At almost any other school, Mateen Cleaves would be a school's best point guard. His 816 assists and 195 steals are both Spartan records, he scored 1,541 points (15th in school history), and led the school to its second national championship as a senior in 2000.

SG: Steve Smith (1987-91)

Steve Smith Hawks

SG: Steve Smith (1987-91)

Steve Smith Hawks — A long-range marksman, Steve Smith hit 147 three-pointers during his MSU career, which ranked ninth in Michigan State history. His long-range game wasn't all that he was good at. During Smith's time in East Lansing, he scored 2,263 points, a school record when he graduated and still good for second place all-time.

SF: Morris Peterson (1995-2000)

Morris Peterson Michigan State

SF: Morris Peterson (1995-2000)

Morris Peterson Michigan State — A high-energy, high-flying forward, Morris Peterson was the primary scorer for the “Flintstones” along with Charlie Bell and Mateen Cleaves on the 2000 national champs. Peterson’s 1,588 career points are 12th-best in school history, and he shot .377 from 3-point range.

PF: Greg Kelser (1975-79)

Greg Kelser

PF: Greg Kelser (1975-79)

Greg Kelser — Although he was outshined by legendary teammate Magic Johnson, Greg Kelser had his own large share of excellence in Michigan State’s 1979 national title run. Special K had 19 points and eight boards in the championship game against Indiana State, and finished his career with school records for points (2,014, now fourth-best) and rebounds (1,092, now second).

C: Magic Johnson (1977-79)

Magic Johnson Michigan State

C: Magic Johnson (1977-79)

Magic Johnson Michigan State — In just two seasons in East Lansing, Earvin “Magic” Johnson changed Spartans basketball. He led the school to its first national title, recorded eight triple-doubles and finishing with averages of 17.1 PPG, 7.6 RPG and 7.9 APG.

Brian Kalchik is a Houston Texans writer and featured writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.

Teams in this article »

Michigan State Spartans

Share On Facebook

Share