Michigan State Basketball

It's got that Izzo Magic built right into it.

The NCAA this month changed its decades-old rule against double-digit jersey numbers beginning with a 6, 7, 8, or 9. Steven Izzo saw an opportunity to make history, but college sports' Debbie Downer of a governing body put the kibosh on it.

A billionaire MSU alumnus and benefactor tried to lure Izzo to the NBA 13 years ago and failed. What's different this time, though, is that the billionaire MSU alumnus and benefactor who may make a run at him is one of his former players.

Hoggard has two years of college eligibility left — his senior year and a potential fifth year the NCAA offers players whose seasons were cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic during the 2019-2020 season.

MSU has to get better in the low post if the Spartans plan to build on what they accomplished this year. This big in the transfer portal doesn't fit the typical Izzo mold, but MSU has reportedly reached out to him.

The 2023 Final Four is the worst ever, but not because of a lack of blue-blood programs or TV-ratings sex appeal.

The Spartans stopped the bleeding from their humiliating collapse at Iowa and came back to beat Nebraska after nearly getting chased out of the gym early. But it was more of the same for MSU — wild inconsistency.

Rescheduling the game presents far more problems for the Spartans than incentives.

Mathew Ishbia, the new owner of the Phoenix Suns, began his basketball career in the Mitten State.

MSU fans may be celebrating that they don't have a pro sports team to contend with for Ishbia's attention and money, but don't get too comfortable. Billionaires usually get what they want.