Michigan State Stands In the Way of a Duke Repeat

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Last season, the Duke Blue Devils surprised everybody and made their way to the National Championship game before defeating Butler.

I say "surprised" because coming in only a select few thought they would win the tournament. The consensus favorite was the Kansas Jayhawks. Even though Duke had one of the "easiest" roads, very few thought they would actually win the championship.

Next season, the Blue Devils will be favored to repeat. They returned most of their roster from last year’s Championship team, and brought-in one of the best recruiting classes in the nation.

The Blue Devils are loaded with talent. Seth Curry, Andre Dawkins, Kyrie Irving, Nolan Smith and Tyler Thornton stand in the backcourt.

That is the best backcourt in the nation. They have experience mixed in with extraordinary talent.

Joshua Hairston, Kyle Singler, Ryan Kelly, and brothers Miles and Mason Plumlee stand in the frontcourt.

That will be the questionable subject heading into next season. The frontcourt is definitely not their strong suit. The Blue Devils need someone that will have a physical presence like Brian Zoubek.

But overall, Duke deserves to be picked as the favorite. They have one of the deepest rosters in college basketball. Not to mention the best coach to help them win the title again.

If anyone has a chance to keep Duke from repeating, it's Michigan State.

The Spartans were on the brink of losing their Hall-of-Fame coach Tom Izzo. However, since they were able to retain him the Spartans are now my favorite to take down Duke.

The Spartans made it to the Final Four this year without their floor general Kalin Lucas.

Now this season, the Spartans return every key player except Raymar Morgan, and brought in a great recruiting class.

Kalin Lucas, Korie Lucious, Durrell Summers, Chris Allen, Keith Appling, and Russell Byrd stand in the backcourt.

With Lucas as the leader of this backcourt, I believe the Spartans will have a chance to be in the National Championship game.

Adreian Payne, Delvon Roe, Derrick Nix, Draymond Green, and Garrick Sherman star in the frontcourt.

Their frontcourt is solid. With great wing players that can score at will. Inside they have a few big bodies that will effect the rebounds on both ends of the court.

If any team out there has a chance at beating Duke, it's definitely Michigan State. Head Coach Tom Izzo will run a deep rotation and their backcourt and wing players will effect the outcome.

There may be other teams out there that can knock Duke off on their run to a National Championship, but no one has a better chance than the Michigan State Spartans.

According to Yahoo Rivals! the Spartans odds of winning a National Championship is (10:1), while Duke stands at the top with odds of (6:1)