2008–09 Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team
{{short description|American college basketball season}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox NCAA team season
|image_size = 120|CoachRank=2
|APRank=8
|hc_year = 14th
|assoc_coach = Mark Montgomery
|ahc_year = 8th
|ac2_year = 6th
|ac3_year = 2nd
|mode=Basketball
|year=2008–09
|team=Michigan State Spartans
|image=Michigan State Spartans script.svg
|conference=Big Ten Conference
|division=
|captain=Kalin Lucas
|captain2=Travis Walton
|short_conf=Big Ten
|record=31–7
|conf_record=15–3
|head_coach=Tom Izzo
|asst_coach1=
|asst_coach2=Dwayne Stephens
|asst_coach3=Mike Garland
|stadium=Breslin Center
|champion= NCAA tournament, Runner-up
Big Ten regular season champions
|bowl=National Championship Game
|bowl_result=
{{Tooltip|L|Lost}} 72-89 vs. North Carolina
}}
{{2008–09 Big Ten men's basketball standings}}
The 2008–09 Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team represented Michigan State University in the 2008–09 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. They were led by head coach Tom Izzo who was in his 14th year as head coach. The team played their home games at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan and were member of the Big Ten Conference. MSU finished the season 31–7, 15–3 in Big Ten play to win the Big Ten regular season championship by four games. They defeated Minnesota in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament before losing to Ohio State in the semifinals. The Spartans received their 12th-straight NCAA tournament bid, an at-large bid as the No. 2 seed in the Midwest region. They defeated Robert Morris, USC, Kansas, and Louisville to advance to the Final Four for the fifth time under Izzo. In the Final Four, they defeated UConn to advance to the National Championship game where they lost to North Carolina.
Previous season
The Spartans finished the 2007–08 season 27–9, 12–6 in Big Ten play to finish in fourth place. Michigan State received a No. 5 seed in the NCAA tournament, their 11th straight trip to the Tournament, and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen, their seventh trip under Tom Izzo, before losing to Memphis.
The Spartans lost Drew Neitzel (13.9 points and 4 assists per game) to graduation following the season.
2008 recruiting class
{{College Athlete Recruit Start|40=no|collapse=no|year=2008}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Delvon Roe
| position = #5 PF
| hometown = Lakewood, Ohio
| highschool = St. Edward High School
| feet = 6
| inches = 8
| weight = 220
| 40 =
| commitdate = 04/17/07
| scout stars = 5
| rivals stars = 5
| espn grade = 96
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Draymond Green
| position = #13 PF
| hometown = Saginaw, Michigan
| highschool = Saginaw HS
| feet = 6
| inches = 6
| weight = 225
| 40 =
| commitdate = 06/28/07
| scout stars = 4
| rivals stars = 3
| espn grade = 96
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Korie Lucious
| position = #10 PG
| hometown = Milwaukee
| highschool = Pius XI HS
| feet = 5
| inches = 10
| weight = 165
| 40 =
| commitdate = 09/24/06
| scout stars = 4
| rivals stars = 4
| espn grade = 93
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit End
| 40 =
| year = 2008
| rivals ref title = Michigan State Commit List for 2008
| scout ref title = Men's Basketball Recruiting
| espn ref title = ESPN – Michigan State Spartans Basketball Recruiting 2008
| rivals school = michiganstate
| scout s = 175
| espn schoolid = 127
| scout overall = 17
| rivals overall = 22
| accessdate = 2008-11-20
| bball = yes
}}
Season summary
Michigan State was led by sophomore Kalin Lucas (14.7 points and 4.6 assists per game), junior Raymar Morgan (10.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game), and senior Goran Suton (10.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game).
= Regular season =
The team began the season ranked No. 6 in the country and began the season well with home wins against Idaho{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/111608aaa.html|title=No. 6 Spartans Cruise to Easy Win Over Idaho, 100-62|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}} and IPFW (coached by future MSU assistant coach Dane Fife).{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/111908aaa.html|title=No. 5 Spartans Rally Past IPFW, 70-59|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}}
The Spartans next traveled to Florida to participate in the Old Spice Classic. In the first round, they faced unranked Maryland who controlled the game, defeating MSU 80–62.{{Cite news|title = Maryland Knocks Off No. 5 Michigan State|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/28/sports/ncaabasketball/28hoops.html|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 2008-11-28|access-date = 2016-02-10|issn = 0362-4331|last = The Associated Press}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/112708aaa.html|title=No. 5/6 Spartans Fall to Terps, 80-62|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}} The Spartans rebounded from the loss to Maryland by beating Oklahoma State 94–79 in the consolation bracket.{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/112808aac.html|title=Spartans Rebound With Convincing Win|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}} In the consolation championship, MSU defeated Wichita State 65–57 behind 12 points from Marquise Gray.{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/113008aaa.html|title=Spartans Close Out Old Spice Classic With Win Over Witchita State|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}}
The Spartans then faced No. 1 North Carolina in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge at the site of the upcoming Final Four, Ford Field. There, MSU was blown out, 98–63.{{Cite web|title = No. 1 UNC puts beating on No. 12 Michigan State|url = http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=283380127|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160204095716/http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=283380127|url-status = dead|archive-date = February 4, 2016|publisher = ESPN|access-date = 2016-01-29}} Izzo took the blame for the loss, "The blame goes on me for the scheduling. We were dead."{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/120408aab.html|title=Spartans Fall To No. 1 Tar Heels 98-63|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}}
Michigan State returned home after playing five straight games away from the Breslin Center.{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/120608aac.html|title=Spartan Basketball Finally Back In Breslin|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}} Following easy wins over Bradley,{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/120708aab.html|title=No. 13 Spartans Down Bradley, 75-59|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}} Alcorn State,{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/121308aaa.html|title=Spartans Beat Alcorn State, 118-60|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}} and The Citadel,{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/121708aaa.html|title=Morgan Leads Spartans Past The Citadel, 79-65|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}} MSU then went on the road again to face No. 5-ranked Texas at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/121908aab.html|title=Spartans Face No. 5 Texas in Neutral Site Matchup on Saturday|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}} MSU, ranked 19th in the AP poll, were led by Goran Suton's 18 points, but still trailed as time wound down in the game.{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/122008aaa.html|title=Summers Leads Spartans Over Texas 67-63|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}} Durrell Summers hit a three-pointer with 18.6 second remaining to help pull out a 67–63 win.{{Cite news|url=http://www.upi.com/COL-BKB-Michigan-State-67-Texas-63/75501229815101/|title=COL BKB: Michigan State 67, Texas 63|newspaper=UPI|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}}
The Spartans next defeated Oakland at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Detroit, 82–66, to move to 9–2 and were ranked No. 10 in the country to finish the non-conference schedule.{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/122708aaa.html|title=Spartans Overwhelm Oakland 82-66|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}}
MSU opened conference play on New Year's Eve with a win over No. 21 Minnesota behind a career-high 24 points from Kalin Lucas.{{Cite web|title = No. 10 Michigan State Defeats No. 21 Minnesota, 70-58 - Michigan State Official Athletic Site|url = http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/123108aaa.html|publisher = msuspartans.com|access-date = 2016-02-15}} Wins over Northwestern and Ohio State followed before the Spartans stepped back out of conference to welcome defending national champion Kansas to the Breslin Center on January 11.{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/010909aaa.html|title=Spartans Host Kansas In Non-Conference Showdown|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}} MSU fell behind early 7–1 and 11–6, but fought back before taking control of the game at the half with a 37–18 lead.{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=290100127|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204170116/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=290100127|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 4, 2017|title=Kansas vs. Michigan State - Game Recap - January 10, 2009 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-02-03}} Lucas again led the Spartans, scoring 22 points as the Spartans won 75–62 for their ninth straight win, pushing their record to 13–2 on the season.{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=290100127|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204170116/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=290100127|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 4, 2017|title=Kansas vs. Michigan State - Game Recap - January 10, 2009 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-02-03}}
Wins over Penn State{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/011409aaa.html|title=Spartans Top Penn State To Win Tenth Straight|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}} and No. 20 Illinois pushed the win streak to 11.{{Cite web|title = Spartans Surge Past Illinois, 74-66 - Michigan State Official Athletic Site|url = http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/030109aaa.html|publisher = msuspartans.com|access-date = 2016-02-15}} Prior to the win over Illinois, the Spartans retired Morris Peterson's jersey.{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/011609aac.html|title=Morris Peterson Reflects On Time At MSU|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}} The win over Illinois also gave MSU a 5–0 record in Big Ten play, their best start in conference since 1978.{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/012009aag.html|title=Michigan State Hosts Northwestern|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03|archive-date=2017-02-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204085336/http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/012009aag.html|url-status=dead}} Looking to extend their win streak to 12 games, MSU welcomed Northwestern to the Breslin Centeron January 21. The Spartans, hampered by Raymar Morgan's sickness, were stunned by Northwestern, losing 70–63.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nusports.com/news/2009/1/21/Wildcats_Knock_Off_No_7_Michigan_State_70_63_in_East_Lansing.aspx|title=Wildcats Knock Off No. 7 Michigan State, 70-63, in East Lansing|website=Northwestern University|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}} The loss ended the Spartans 28-game home winning streak as well and left them at 5–1 in conference, 15–3 overall.{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/012109aaa.html|title=Spartans' Win Streak Snapped At Ten By Wildcats|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}}
MSU returned to their winning ways defeating Ohio State{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/012509aaa.html|title=No. 7 Spartans Surge Past Ohio State, 78-67|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}} and Iowa on the road to mark five straight Big Ten road wins.{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/012909aaa.html|title=Spartans Handle Hawkeyes On The Road, 71-56|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}} Another surprising loss at home, this time to Penn State,{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/020109aaa.html|title=Spartans Edged By Penn State, 72-68|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}} preceded a second win over No. 21-ranked Minnesota.{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/020409aad.html|title=Spartans Rout Gophers, 76-47|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}} At 18–4 and 8–2 on the season, the Spartans returned to the top ten rankings, moving to No. 9 in the AP poll. The Spartans then welcomed former Izzo assistant Tom Crean, coach of Indiana, to the Breslin Center on February 7. MSU, led by freshman Draymond Green's 15 points and 12 rebounds, blew out the Hoosiers, 75–47.{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/020709aaa.html|title=Spartans Pull Away From Hoosiers, 75-47|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}}
The Spartans then took their perfect road record to Michigan. MSU led the majority of the game, but Michigan rallied to within four with under five minutes remaining.{{Cite news|url=http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/basketball/index.ssf/2009/02/michigan_state_guard_kalin_luc.html|title=No. 9 Michigan State beats rival Michigan 54-42|newspaper=MLive.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-03}} But Kalin Lucas, who scored 13 of his 15 points after half time, made a three to extend the lead and Delvon Roe scored a season-high 14 points as MSU won 54–42.{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=290410130|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204170026/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=290410130|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 4, 2017|title=Michigan State vs. Michigan - Game Recap - February 10, 2009 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-02-03}}
The win over Michigan moved MSU to No. 6 in the AP poll (No. 5 in the Coaches Poll) and set up an important road game against No. 19 Purdue.{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=290410130|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204170026/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=290410130|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 4, 2017|title=Michigan State vs. Michigan - Game Recap - February 10, 2009 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-02-03}} The Boilermakers forced 22 Spartan turnovers, blocked eight shots and held MSU to 33% from the field.{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/021709aaa.html|title=Spartans Fall at No. 19 Purdue|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}} Lucas scored 13 for MSU, but it wasn't enough as they were blown out 72–54. The Purdue loss broke the road-winning streak, but still left MSU at 20–5 and 10–3 in conference.
The Purdue loss would also mark the last regular season loss by the Spartans. Wins over Wisconsin{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/022209aaa.html|title=Spartans Overcome Badgers, 61-50|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}} and Iowa{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/022509aaa.html|title=No. 9 Spartans Hold Off Hawkeyes, 62-54|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}} preceded the No. 9-ranked Spartans trip to No. 20 Illinois.{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/022809aab.html|title=First-Place Michigan State Travels To Illinois|language=en|access-date=2017-02-03}} Lucas led the Spartans again with 18 points as they defeated Illinois 74–66 clinching a share of the Big Ten regular season championship.{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=290600356|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204170025/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=290600356|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 4, 2017|title=Michigan State vs. Illinois - Game Recap - March 1, 2009 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-02-03}} With a 64–59 win at Indiana on March 3, the Spartans won their first Big Ten regular season title since 2001 and first outright title since 1999.{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=290620084|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204085000/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=290620084|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 4, 2017|title=Michigan State vs. Indiana - Game Recap - March 3, 2009 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-02-03}} In the final game of the season, a 62–51 win over No. 19 Purdue, Lucas scored 21 points to lead MSU to the Big Ten championship by four games with a 15–3 record, 25–5 overall, and ranked No. 7 in the country.{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=290670127|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204085102/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=290670127|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 4, 2017|title=Purdue vs. Michigan State - Game Recap - March 8, 2009 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-02-03}}
Following the conclusion of the regular season, Kalin Lucas was named Big Ten Player of the Year{{Cite web|title = 2008-09 Men's Basketball All-Big Ten Teams Dominated by Sophomore Standouts Big Ten Conference Official Site|url = http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/030909aac.html|publisher = Big Ten Conference|access-date = 2016-01-29|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120318201422/http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/030909aac.html|archive-date = 2012-03-18|url-status = dead}} and Tom Izzo was voted Big Ten Coach of the Year. Travis Walton was named Defensive Player of the Year, while Goran Suton was a second team All-Big Ten selection. Delvon Roe was named to the Big Ten freshmen team.
= Big Ten tournament =
As the No. 1 seed in the Big Ten tournament, MSU had a bye into the quarterfinals. Looking to make their case for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, MSU defeated No. 8-seeded Minnesota 64–56 led by Chris Allen's 17 points.{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/031309aaa.html|title=Spartans Advance With Win Over Minnesota|access-date=2017-02-07|language=en|archive-date=2017-02-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208133559/http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/031309aaa.html|url-status=dead}} The win moved the Spartans to the Big Ten semifinals to face Ohio State. However, Michigan State's hopes for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament vanished as they were defeated by Ohio State, 82–70.{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/031409aaa.html|title=Spartans' Comeback Efforts Fall Short In Semifinals|access-date=2017-02-07|language=en|archive-date=2017-01-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118082119/http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/031409aaa.html|url-status=dead}} Evan Turner had 18 points to lead the Buckeyes to win the over the Spartans, who shot just 38 percent from the field.
= NCAA Tournament =
Michigan State received an at-large bid as the No. 2 seed in the Midwest Region of the NCAA tournament, their 12th straight appearance in the Tournament.{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/031509aaa.html|title=Spartans Earn NCAA Bid For 12th Straight Year|access-date=2017-02-07|language=en|archive-date=2017-02-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208133557/http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/031509aaa.html|url-status=dead}} Though they only received a No. 2 seed, the path to the Final Four looked good for the Spartans with games in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Indianapolis, Indiana before the Final Four in Detroit.
In the First Round, the Spartans defeated No. 15-seed Robert Morris 77–62 behind Raymar Morgan's 16 points and Goran Suton's 11 points and 17 rebounds.{{Cite web|title = Michigan St. grinds out Robert Morris in opener|url = http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=294000058|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090326101121/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=294000058|url-status = dead|archive-date = March 26, 2009|publisher = ESPN|access-date = 2016-02-10}} Draymond Green added 16 points in the easy win. In the Second Round, MSU faced No. 10-seed USC for the right to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. With a surprising offensive output by Travis Walton, scoring a career-high 18 points, the Spartans were able to hold off USC to advance to the Sweet Sixteen.{{Cite web|title = Walton's offense contributes to Michigan St. win|url = http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=294000059|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160223230246/http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=294000059|url-status = dead|archive-date = February 23, 2016|publisher = ESPN|access-date = 2016-02-10}}
In the Sweet Sixteen, MSU faced No. 14-ranked and No. 3-seeded Kansas, marking MSU's eighth trip to the Sweet Sixteen in the previous 12 years.{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/032509aac.html|title=Spartans Face Kansas In Sweet 16 On Friday|access-date=2017-02-07|language=en|archive-date=2017-02-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208133840/http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/032509aac.html|url-status=dead}} The game was held in Indianapolis where MSU was 5–0 all-time in NCAA Tournament games. Michigan State trailed by as many as 13 in the first half as Lucas struggled from the field. MSU trailed 36–29 at the half, but started strong in the second half as Draymond Green cut the Kansas lead to just one point just three minutes into the half. Lucas sealed the win by scoring seven points in the final 49 seconds of the game (going five for five from the free throw line) as MSU advanced to the Elite Eight with a 67–62 win.{{Cite web|title = Michigan State ousts defending champ Kansas|url = http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=294000060|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160223205712/http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=294000060|url-status = dead|archive-date = February 23, 2016|publisher = ESPN|access-date = 2016-02-10}}
In the Elite Eight, the Spartans faced overall No. 1 seed Louisville with a chance to go to the Final Four in nearby Detroit, only 90 miles from MSU's campus. Led by MSU's rugged defense, Louisville, who had scored 103 points in their win over Arizona in the Sweet Sixteen, was held to 52 points and lost for the first time in 14 games. The Spartans, who slowed the game down, were led by Suton's 19 points and 10 rebounds and won 64–52.{{Cite web|title = Spartans squeeze Louisville for Final Four berth|url = http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=294000061|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160202223509/http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=294000061|url-status = dead|archive-date = February 2, 2016|publisher = ESPN|access-date = 2016-02-10}} The win sent MSU to the Final Four for the fifth time in 11 seasons. "Detroit, here we come," said coach Tom Izzo, a Michigan native. "I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to that." Durrell Summers contributed 10 second-half points in the win.
In Detroit for the Final Four, the Spartans practiced before a crowd of over 30,000 fans as they were clearly the hometown favorites.{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/040309aaa.html|title=Spartans Practice Before Crowd of 30,000 at Ford Field|access-date=2017-02-07|language=en}} In the national semifinals, Michigan State faced Connecticut, another No. 1 seed, for the right to play for the national championship. Kalin Lucas led the Spartans with 21 points and Raymar Morgan added 18 as the smaller Spartans took it to the much bigger Huskies, led by Hasheem Thabeet.{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/040409aab.html|title=Spartans Halt Huskies In Final Four, Advance To NCAA Title Game|access-date=2017-02-07|language=en|archive-date=2017-02-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208133930/http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/040409aab.html|url-status=dead}} MSU led by two at the half and pulled away in the second to win 82–73 to advance to the national championship game.{{Cite web|title = Spartans soar in home state, upset Connecticut|url = http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=294000031|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090408093139/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=294000031|url-status = dead|archive-date = April 8, 2009|publisher = ESPN|access-date = 2016-02-10}} In contrast to the slowed down play against Louisville in the Elite Eight, MSU pushed the ball and wore out Thabeet and the Huskies.
In the National Championship game, the Spartans were rematched with North Carolina, whom they had also lost to earlier in the season at Ford Field. Michigan State was appearing in only its third national championship game, going 2–0 in prior trips while winning the 1979 and 2000 Tournaments.{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/040509aaf.html|title=Spartans Prepare For Glory|access-date=2017-02-07|language=en}} Further, under Tom Izzo, MSU was 14–2 in the second game of a weekend in NCAA Tournament play. However, the game started horribly for MSU as North Carolina jumped out to a lead of 17–7 in the first five minutes and extend the lead to 24–7 with 14 minutes remaining in the half.{{Cite news|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/040609aaa.html|title=Spartans Fall to Tar Heels in NCAA Title Game|access-date=2017-02-07|language=en|archive-date=2017-02-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208133204/http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/040609aaa.html|url-status=dead}} North Carolina scored more points than any team had ever scored in the first half of an NCAA championship game, scoring 55 and blowing out the Spartans 55–34 at the half. MSU's 14 turnovers in the first half aided the Tar Heels 52.9% shooting. The Spartans only made 12 baskets in the first half.{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=294000063|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915041827/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=294000063|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 15, 2016|title=Michigan State vs. North Carolina - Game Recap - April 6, 2009 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-02-07}} The Spartans held UNC in check more in the second half, outscoring the Tar Heels 38–34, but it was too little too late. The Spartans were defeated by North Carolina 89–72, marking the Spartans' first ever loss in the national championship game.
The Spartans faced three No. 1 seeds (Louisville, UConn, and North Carolina) in the Tournament, only losing to North Carolina.
Roster
{{CBB roster/Header|year=2008|team=Michigan State Spartans|teamcolors=y|high_school=yes}}
{{CBB roster/Player|first=Idong|last=Ibok|link=y|num=00|pos=C|ft=6|in=11|lbs=265|class=SR|rs=y|home=Montverde, Florida|high_school=Montverde Academy}}
{{CBB roster/Player|first=Kalin|last=Lucas|link=y|num=1|pos=PG|ft=6|in=0|lbs=180|class=SO|rs=|home=Orchard Lake, Michigan|high_school=St. Mary Preparatory School}}
{{CBB roster/Player|first=Raymar|last=Morgan|link=y|num=2|pos=PF|ft=6|in=7|lbs=225|class=JR|rs=|home=Canton, Ohio|high_school=McKinley H.S.}}
{{CBB roster/Player|first=Chris|last=Allen|link=|num=3|pos=SG|ft=6|in=3|lbs=200|class=SO|rs=|home=Norcross, Georgia|high_school=Meadowcreek H.S.}}
{{CBB roster/Player|first=Travis|last=Walton|link=y|dab=basketball|num=5|pos=PG|ft=6|in=2|lbs=195|class=SR|rs=|home=Lima, Ohio|high_school=Lima H.S.}}
{{CBB roster/Player|first=Delvon|last=Roe|link=y|num=10|pos=F|ft=6|in=8|lbs=220|class=FR|rs=|home=Lakewood, Ohio|high_school=St. Edward H.S.}}
{{CBB roster/Player|first=Austin|last=Thornton|link=|dab=|num=13|pos=SG|ft=6|in=5|lbs=190|class=FR|rs=y|home=Cedar Springs, Michigan|high_school=Cedar Springs H.S.}}
{{CBB roster/Player|first=Goran|last=Suton|link=y|num=14|pos=C|ft=6|in=10|lbs=245|class=SR|rs=y|home=Lansing, Michigan|high_school=Everett H.S.}}
{{CBB roster/Player|first=Durrell|last=Summers|link=y|num=15|pos=SF|ft=6|in=4.5|lbs=175|class=SO|rs=|home=Redford, Michigan|high_school=Covenant H.S.}}
{{CBB roster/Player|first=Mike|last=Kebler|num=20|pos=|ft=|in=|lbs=|class=SO|rs=|home=|high_school=}}
{{CBB roster/Player|first=Isaiah|last=Dahlman|link=|num=22|pos=SF|ft=6|in=6|lbs=185|class=JR|rs=|home=Braham, Minnesota|high_school=Braham Area Sec.}}
{{CBB roster/Player|first=Draymond|last=Green|link=y|num=23|pos=F|ft=6|in=7|lbs=240|class=FR|rs=|home=Saginaw, Michigan|high_school=Saginaw H.S.}}
{{CBB roster/Player|first=Jon|last=Crandell|num=25|pos=|ft=|in=|lbs=|class=JR|rs=|home=Rochester Hills, Michigan|high_school=Rochester Adams H.S.}}
{{CBB roster/Player|first=Korie|last=Lucious|link=y|num=34|pos=PG|ft=5|in=11|lbs=170|class=FR|rs=|home=Milwaukee, Wisconsin|high_school=Pius XI H.S.}}
{{CBB roster/Player|first=Tom|last=Herzog|link=|num=40|pos=C|ft=7|in=0|lbs=230|class=SO|rs=y|home=Flint, Michigan|high_school=Luke M. Powers Catholic H.S.}}
{{CBB roster/Player|first=Marquise|last=Gray|link=|num=41|pos=PF|ft=6|in=8|lbs=235|class=SR|rs=y|home=Flint, Michigan|high_school=Beecher H.S.}}
{{CBB roster/Footer
|head_coach=
- Tom Izzo ({{college|Northern Michigan}})
|asst_coach=
- Mark Montgomery ({{college|Michigan State}})
- Dwayne Stephens ({{college|Michigan State}})
- Mike Garland ({{college|Northern Michigan}})
|roster_url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/msu-m-baskbl-mtt.html
|accessdate=2010-11-07}}
Schedule and results
{{CBB schedule start|time=yes|rank=yes|tv=yes|attend=yes}}
|-
!colspan=9 style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}| Regular season
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Nov 6, 2008
| nonconf = yes
| time = 6:00 pm
| rank = 6
| opponent = Idaho
| site_stadium = Breslin Center
| site_cityst = East Lansing, MI
| tv = BTN
| score = 100–62
| record = 1–0
| attend = 14,759
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Nov 19, 2008
| nonconf = yes
| time = 7:00 pm
| rank = 5
| away = yes
| opponent = {{cbb link|year=2008|team=IPFW Mastodons|title=IPFW}}
| site_stadium = Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
| site_cityst = Fort Wayne, IN
| score = 70–59
| record = 2–0
| attend = 6,704
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Nov 27, 2008
| nonconf = yes
| time = 7:00 pm
| rank = 5
| neutral = yes
| opponent = Maryland
| site_stadium = The Milk House
| site_cityst = Kissimmee, FL
| gamename = Old Spice Classic
| tv = ESPN2
| score = 62–80
| record = 2–1
| attend = 4,464
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Nov 28, 2008
| nonconf = yes
| time = 8:00 pm
| rank = 5
| neutral = yes
| opponent = Oklahoma State
| site_stadium = Milk House
| site_cityst = Kissimmee, FL
| gamename = Old Spice Classic
| tv = ESPNU
| score = 94–79
| record = 3–1
| attend = 4,658
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Nov 30, 2008
| nonconf = yes
| time = 1:00 pm
| rank = 5
| neutral = yes
| opponent = Wichita State
| site_stadium = Milk House
| site_cityst = Kissimmee, FL
| gamename = Old Spice Classic
| tv = ESPNU
| score = 65–57
| record = 4–1
| attend = 3,768
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Dec 3, 2008
| nonconf = yes
| time = 9:00 pm
| rank = 13
| neutral = yes
| opprank = 1
| opponent = North Carolina
| site_stadium = Ford Field
| site_cityst = Detroit, MI
| gamename = ACC–Big Ten Challenge
| tv = ESPN
| score = 63–98
| record = 4–2
| attend = 25,267
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Dec 7, 2008
| nonconf = yes
| time = 4:00 pm
| rank = 13
| opponent = {{cbb link|year=2008|team=Bradley Braves|title=Bradley}}
| site_stadium = Breslin Center
| site_cityst = East Lansing, MI
| tv = BTN
| score = 75–59
| record = 5–2
| attend = 14,759
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Dec 13, 2008
| nonconf = yes
| time = 6:00 pm
| rank = 18
| opponent = {{cbb link|year=2008|sex=none|team=Alcorn State Braves|title=Alcorn State}}
| site_stadium = Breslin Center
| site_cityst = East Lansing, MI
| tv = BTN
| score = 118–60
| record = 6–2
| attend = 14,759
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Dec 17, 2008
| nonconf = yes
| time = 8:00 pm
| rank = 19
| opponent = The Citadel
| site_stadium = Breslin Center
| site_cityst = East Lansing, MI
| tv = BTN
| score = 79–65
| record = 7–2
| attend = 14,759
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Dec 20, 2008
| nonconf = yes
| time = 2:00 pm
| rank = 19
| away = yes
| opprank = 5
| opponent = Texas
| site_stadium = Toyota Center
| site_cityst = Houston, TX
| tv = CBS
| score = 67–63
| record = 8–2
| attend = 17,074
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Dec 27, 2008
| nonconf = yes
| time = 5:00 pm
| rank = 11
| neutral = yes
| opponent = Oakland
| site_stadium = Palace of Auburn Hills
| site_cityst = Auburn Hills, MI
| tv = FSD
| score = 82–66
| record = 9–2
| attend = 15,361
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Dec 31, 2008
| time = 12:00 pm
| rank = 10
| away = yes
| opprank = 21
| opponent = Minnesota
| site_stadium = Williams Arena
| site_cityst = Minneapolis, MN
| tv = BTN
| score =70–58
| record = 10–2
| conference = 1–0
| attend = 14,625
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Jan 3, 2009
| time = 7:00 pm
| rank = 10
| away = yes
| opponent = Northwestern
| site_stadium = Welsh-Ryan Arena
| site_cityst = Evanston, IL
| tv = BTN
| score = 77–66
| record = 11–2
| conference = 2–0
| attend = 8,117
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Jan 6, 2009
| time = 7:00 pm
| rank = 8
| opponent = Ohio State
| site_stadium = Breslin Center
| site_cityst = East Lansing, MI
| tv = ESPN2
| score = 67–58
| record = 12–2
| conference = 3–0
| attend = 14,759
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Jan 10, 2009
| nonconf = yes
| time = 1:00 pm
| rank = 8
| opponent = Kansas
| site_stadium = Breslin Center
| site_cityst = East Lansing, MI
| tv = CBS
| score = 75–62
| record = 13–2
| attend = 14,759
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Jan 14, 2009
| time = 6:30 pm
| rank = 7
| away = yes
| opponent = Penn State
| site_stadium = Bryce Jordan Center
| site_cityst = University Park, PA
| tv = BTN
| score = 78–73
| record = 14–2
| conference = 4–0
| attend = 10,270
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Jan 17, 2009
| time = 4:00 pm
| rank = 7
| opponent = Illinois
| site_stadium = Breslin Center
| site_cityst = East Lansing, MI
| tv = ESPN
| score = 63–57
| record = 15–2
| conference = 5–0
| attend = 14,759
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Jan 21, 2009
| time = 6:30 pm
| rank = 7
| opponent = Northwestern
| site_stadium = Breslin Center
| site_cityst = East Lansing, MI
| tv = BTN
| score = 63–70
| record = 15–3
| conference = 5–1
| attend = 14,759
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Jan 25, 2009
| time = 3:45 pm
| rank = 7
| away = yes
| opponent = Ohio State
| site_stadium = Value City Arena
| site_cityst = Columbus, OH
| tv = CBS
| score = 78–67
| record = 16–3
| conference = 6–1
| attend = 18,767
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Jan 29, 2009
| time = 7:00 pm
| rank = 9
| away = yes
| opponent = Iowa
| site_stadium = Carver–Hawkeye Arena
| site_cityst = Iowa City, IA
| tv = ESPN
| score = 71–56
| record = 17–3
| conference = 7–1
| attend = 13,640
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Feb 1, 2009
| time = 12:00 pm
| rank = 9
| opponent = Penn State
| site_stadium = Breslin Center
| site_cityst = East Lansing, MI
| tv = BTN
| score = 68–72
| record = 17–4
| conference = 7–2
| attend = 14,759
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Feb 4, 2009
| time = 8:30 pm
| rank = 13
| opprank = 19
| opponent = Minnesota
| site_stadium = Breslin Center
| site_cityst = East Lansing, MI
| tv = BTN
| score = 76–47
| record = 18–4
| conference = 8–2
| attend = 14,759
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Feb 7, 2009
| time = 4:00 pm
| rank = 13
| opponent = Indiana
| site_stadium = Breslin Center
| site_cityst = East Lansing, MI
| tv = ESPN
| score = 75–47
| record = 19–4
| conference = 9–2
| attend = 14,759
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Feb 10, 2009
| time = 7:00 pm
| rank = 9
| away = yes
| opponent = Michigan
| site_stadium = Crisler Arena
| site_cityst = Ann Arbor, MI
| gamename = Rivalry
| tv = ESPN
| score = 54–42
| record = 20–4
| conference = 10–2
| attend = 13,751
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Feb 17, 2009
| time = 7:00 pm
| rank = 6
| away = yes
| opprank = 21
| opponent = Purdue
| site_stadium = Mackey Arena
| site_cityst = West Lafayette, IN
| tv = ESPN
| score = 54–73
| record = 20–5
| conference = 10–3
| attend = 14,123
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Feb 22, 2009
| time = 3:00 pm
| rank = 6
| opponent = Wisconsin
| site_stadium = Breslin Center
| site_cityst = East Lansing, MI
| tv = ESPN
| score = 61–50
| record = 21–5
| conference = 11–3
| attend = 14,759
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Feb 25, 2009
| time = 8:30 pm
| rank = 9
| opponent = Iowa
| site_stadium = Breslin Center
| site_cityst = East Lansing, MI
| tv = BTN
| score = 62–54
| record = 22–5
| conference = 12–3
| attend = 14,759
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Mar 1, 2009
| time = 4:00 pm
| rank = 9
| away = yes
| opprank = 20
| opponent = Illinois
| site_stadium = Assembly Hall
| site_cityst = Champaign, IL
| tv = CBS
| score = 74–66
| record = 23–5
| conference = 13–3
| attend = 16,618
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Mar 3, 2009
| time = 7:00 pm
| rank = 8
| away = yes
| opponent = Indiana
| site_stadium = Assembly Hall
| site_cityst = Bloomington, IN
| tv = ESPN
| score = 64–59
| record = 24–5
| conference = 14–3
| attend = 15,006
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Mar 8, 2009
| time = 12:00 pm
| rank = 8
| opprank = 20
| opponent = Purdue
| site_stadium = Breslin Center
| site_cityst = East Lansing, MI
| tv = CBS
| score = 62–51
| record = 25–5
| conference = 15–3
| attend = 14,759
}}
|-
!colspan=9 style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|2009 Big Ten Conference men's basketball tournament
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Mar 13, 2009
| time = 12:00 pm
| neutral = yes
| rank = 7
| seed = 1
| opponent = Minnesota
| oppseed = 8
| site_stadium = Conseco Fieldhouse
| site_cityst = Indianapolis, IN
| gamename = Quarterfinals
| tv = ESPN
| score = 64–56
| record = 26–5
| attend = 13,023
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Mar 14, 2009
| time = 1:40 pm
| neutral = yes
| seed = 1
| rank = 7
| opponent = Ohio State
| oppseed = 5
| site_stadium = Conseco Fieldhouse
| site_cityst = Indianapolis, IN
| gamename = Semifinals
| tv = CBS
| score = 70–82
| record = 26–6
| attend = 15,728
}}
|-
!colspan=9 style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|2009 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Mar 20, 2009
| time = 9:50 pm
| neutral = yes
| seed = 2 MW
| rank = 8
| opponent = Robert Morris
| oppseed = 15 MW
| site_stadium = Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
| site_cityst = Minneapolis, MN
| gamename = First Round
| tv = CBS
| score = 77–62
| record = 27–6
| attend = 12,814
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = Mar 22, 2009
| time = 4:55 pm
| neutral = yes
| seed = 2 MW
| rank = 8
| opponent = USC
| oppseed = 10 MW
| site_stadium = Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
| site_cityst = Minneapolis, MN
| gamename = Second Round
| tv = CBS
| score = 74–69
| record = 28–6
| attend = 14,279
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = March 27, 2009
| time = 9:37 pm
| nonconf = yes
| neutral = yes
| seed = 2 MW
| rank = 8
| opponent = Kansas
| opprank = 13
| oppseed = 3 MW
| site_stadium = Lucas Oil Stadium
| site_cityst = Indianapolis, IN
| gamename = Sweet Sixteen
| tv = CBS
| score = 67–62
| record = 29–6
| attend = 33,780
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = March 29, 2009
| time = 2:20 pm
| nonconf = yes
| neutral = yes
| seed = 2 MW
| rank = 8
| opponent = Louisville
| opprank = 1
| oppseed = 1 MW
| site_stadium = Lucas Oil Stadium
| site_cityst = Indianapolis, IN
| gamename = Elite Eight
| tv = CBS
| score = 64–52
| record = 30–6
| attend = 36,084
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = April 4, 2009
| time = 6:07 pm
| nonconf = yes
| neutral = yes
| seed = 2 MW
| rank = 8
| opponent = Connecticut
| opprank = 6
| oppseed = 1 W
| site_stadium = Ford Field
| site_cityst = Detroit, MI
| gamename = Final Four
| tv = CBS
| score = 82–73
| record = 31–6
| attend = 72,456
}}
{{CBB schedule entry
| date = April 6, 2009
| time = 9:21 pm
| nonconf = yes
| neutral = yes
| seed = 2 MW
| rank = 8
| opponent = North Carolina
| opprank = 3
| oppseed = 1 S
| site_stadium = Ford Field
| site_cityst = Detroit, MI
| gamename = National Championship
| tv = CBS
| score = 72–89
| record = 31–7
| attend = 72,922
}}
{{CBB schedule end|poll=AP Poll
Source{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/michigan-state/2009-schedule.html|title=2008-09 Michigan State Spartans Schedule and Results - College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com}}}}
Player statistics
| class="wikitable sortable" border="1" style="font-size:70%;"
|+Individual player statistics (Final) |
| colspan="2" style="border-top-style:hidden; border-left-style:hidden; background: white;" |
!colspan="2" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|Scoring !colspan="3" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|Total FGs !colspan="3" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|3-point FGs !colspan="3" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|Free-Throws !colspan="2" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|Rebounds !colspan="4" style="border-top-style:hidden; border-right-style:hidden; background: white;"| |
|---|
| scope="col" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|Player
! scope="col" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|GP ! scope="col" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|Pts ! scope="col" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|Avg ! scope="col" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|FG ! scope="col" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|FGA ! scope="col" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|Pct ! scope="col" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|3FG ! scope="col" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|3FA ! scope="col" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|Pct ! scope="col" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|FT ! scope="col" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|FTA ! scope="col" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|Pct ! scope="col" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|Tot ! scope="col" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|Avg ! scope="col" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|A ! scope="col" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|Stl ! scope="col" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|Blk ! scope="col" style={{NCAA color cell|Michigan State Spartans}}|Tov |
| style=white-space:nowrap |Allen, Chris
|align="right" |38 |align="right" |319 | align="right" |8.4 |align="right" |104 |align="right" |288 | align="right" |.361 |align="right" |52 |align="right" |167 |align="right"|.311 |align="right" |59 |align="right" |75 | align="right" |.787 |align="right" |85 | align="right" |2.2 |align="right" |48 |align="right" |14 |align="right" |0 |align="right" |50 |
| style=white-space:nowrap |Crandell, Jon
|align="right" |10 |align="right" |4 | align="right" |0.4 |align="right" |1 |align="right" |1 | align="right" |1.000 |align="right" |0 |align="right" |0 | align="right" | |align="right" |2 |align="right" |2 | align="right" |1.000 |align="right" |0 | align="right" |0.0 |align="right" |0 |align="right" |0 |align="right" |0 |align="right" |0 |
| style=white-space:nowrap |Dahlman, Isaiah
|align="right" |16 |align="right" |12 | align="right" |0.8 |align="right" |5 |align="right" |9 | align="right" |.556 |align="right" |1 |align="right" |3 | align="right" |.333 |align="right" |1 |align="right" |4 | align="right" |.250 |align="right" |10 | align="right" |0.6 |align="right" |0 |align="right" |0 |align="right" |0 |align="right" |0 |
| style=white-space:nowrap |Gray, Marquise
|align="right" |38 |align="right" |119 | align="right" |3.1 |align="right" |45 |align="right" |78 |align="right" |.577 |align="right" |0 |align="right" |0 | align="right" | |align="right" |29 |align="right" |43 |align="right" |.674 |align="right" |108 | align="right" |2.8 |align="right" |12 |align="right" |4 |align="right" |12 |align="right" |35 |
| style=white-space:nowrap |Green, Draymond
|align="right" |37 |align="right" |122 | align="right" |3.3 |align="right" |45 |align="right" |81 |align="right" |.556 |align="right" |0 |align="right" |1 | align="right" |.000 |align="right" |32 |align="right" |52 |align="right" |.615 |align="right" |122 | align="right" |3.3 |align="right" |31 |align="right" |21 |align="right" |9 |align="right" |24 |
| style=white-space:nowrap |Herzog, Tom
|align="right" style=|16 |align="right" |10 | align="right" |0.6 |align="right" |3 |align="right" |5 |align="right" |.600 |align="right" |0 |align="right" |0 | align="right" | |align="right" |4 |align="right" |7 |align="right" |.571 |align="right" |11 | align="right" |0.7 |align="right" |1 |align="right" |0 |align="right" |5 |align="right" |0 |
| style=white-space:nowrap |Ibok, Idong
|align="right" style= |28 |align="right" |10 | align="right" |0.4 |align="right" |3 |align="right" |8 |align="right" |.375 |align="right" |0 |align="right" |0 | align="right" | |align="right" |4 |align="right" |6 | align="right" |.667 |align="right" |25 | align="right" |0.9 |align="right" |5 |align="right" |0 |align="right" |7 |align="right" |13 |
| style=white-space:nowrap |Kebler, Mike
|align="right" style= |8 |align="right" |4 | align="right" |0.5 |align="right" |1 |align="right" |2 |align="right" |.500 |align="right" |0 |align="right" |1 | align="right" |.000 |align="right" |2 |align="right" |2 |align="right" |1.000 |align="right" |2 | align="right" |0.3 |align="right" |1 |align="right" |0 |align="right" |0 |align="right" |0 |
| style=white-space:nowrap |Lucas, Kalin
|align="right" |38 |align="right" |559 | align="right" |14.7 |align="right" |173 |align="right" |438 |align="right" |.395 |align="right" |41 |align="right" |105 | align="right" |.390 |align="right" |172 |align="right" |213 |align="right" |.671 |align="right" |80 | align="right" |2.1 |align="right" |176 |align="right" |39 |align="right" |6 |align="right" |84 |
| style=white-space:nowrap |Lucious, Korie
|align="right" |38 |align="right" |121 | align="right" |3.2 |align="right" |40 |align="right" |106 |align="right" |.377 |align="right" |29 |align="right" |82 | align="right" |.354 |align="right" |12 |align="right" |18 |align="right" |.664 |align="right" |32 | align="right" |0.8 |align="right" |47 |align="right" |10 |align="right" |2 |align="right" |42 |
| style=white-space:nowrap |Morgan, Raymar
|align="right" |35 |align="right" |358 | align="right" |10.2 |align="right" |132 |align="right" |254 |align="right" |.526 |align="right" |5 |align="right" |21 | align="right" |.238 |align="right" |89 |align="right" |135 | align="right" |.659 |align="right" |184 | align="right" |5.3 |align="right" |41 |align="right" |23 |align="right" |7 |align="right" |62 |
| style=white-space:nowrap |Roe, Delvon
|align="right" |38 |align="right" |213 | align="right" |5.6 |align="right" |81 |align="right" |143 |align="right" |.566 |align="right" |0 |align="right" |0 | align="right" | |align="right" |21 |align="right" |112 |align="right" |.455 |align="right" |197 | align="right" |5.2 |align="right" |35 |align="right" |16 |align="right" |29 |align="right" |42 |
| style=white-space:nowrap |Summers, Durrell
|align="right" |38 |align="right" |326 |align="right" |8.6 |align="right" |116 |align="right" |267 |align="right" |.551 |align="right" |45 |align="right" |117 |align="right" |.385 |align="right" |49 |align="right" |68 |align="right" |.721 |align="right" |129 |align="right" |3.4 |align="right" |30 |align="right" |25 |align="right" |13 |align="right" |55 |
| style=white-space:nowrap |Suton, Goran
|align="right" |32 |align="right" |334 |align="right" |10.4 |align="right" |123 |align="right" |234 |align="right" |.521 |align="right" |21 |align="right" |48 |align="right" |.438 |align="right" |67 |align="right" |79 |align="right" |.848 |align="right" |269 |align="right" |8.4 |align="right" |50 |align="right" |36 |align="right" |16 |align="right" |58 |
| style=white-space:nowrap |Thornton, Austin
|align="right" |27 |align="right" |33 |align="right" |1.2 |align="right" |9 |align="right" |25 |align="right" |.360 |align="right" |4 |align="right" |17 |align="right" |.235 |align="right" |11 |align="right" |14 |align="right" |.786 |align="right" |21 |align="right" |0.8 |align="right" |7 |align="right" |4 |align="right" |0 |align="right" |6 |
| style=white-space:nowrap |Walton, Travis
|align="right" |38 |align="right" |193 |align="right" |5.1 |align="right" |81 |align="right" |197 |align="right" |.411 |align="right" |3 |align="right" |5 |align="right" |.600 |align="right" |28 |align="right" |47 |align="right" |.596 |align="right" |85 |align="right" |2.2 |align="right" |127 |align="right" |56 |align="right" |1 |align="right" |52 |
| class="sortbottom" |
| class="toccolours" style="font-size: 80%; white-space: nowrap;" |
| colspan="6" style="background-color: #F2F2F2; border: 1px solid #AAAAAA;" |Legend |
|---|
| style="background-color: #F2F2F2; border: 1px solid black;" | GP
| Games played | style="background-color: #F2F2F2; border: 1px solid black" | Avg | Average per game |
| style="background-color: #F2F2F2; border: 1px solid black" | FG
| style="padding-right: 8px" |Field-goals made | style="background-color: #F2F2F2; border: 1px solid black" | FGA | style="padding-right: 8px" |Field-goal attempts | style="background-color: #F2F2F2; border: 1px solid black" | Tov |
| style="background-color: #F2F2F2; border: 1px solid black;" | Blk
| Blocks | style="background-color: #F2F2F2; border: 1px solid black" | Stl | Steals | style="background-color: #F2F2F2; border: 1px solid black" | A | style="padding-right: 8px" |Assists |
Rankings
{{See also|2008–09 NCAA Division I men's basketball rankings}}
{{Ranking movements
| poll1title = AP
| poll1firstweek = 0
| poll1lastweek =18
| poll1_0=6
| poll1_1=5
| poll1_2=5
| poll1_3=13
| poll1_4=18
| poll1_5=19
| poll1_6=11
| poll1_7=10
| poll1_8=8
| poll1_9=7
| poll1_10=7
| poll1_11=9
| poll1_12=13
| poll1_13=9
| poll1_14=6
| poll1_15=9
| poll1_16=8
| poll1_17=7
| poll1_18=8
| poll1_19=
| poll2title = Coaches
| poll2firstweek = 0
| poll2lastweek =19
| poll2_0=7
| poll2_1=7
| poll2_2=6
| poll2_3=12
| poll2_4=20
| poll2_5=22
| poll2_6=18
| poll2_7=15
| poll2_8=12
| poll2_9=10
| poll2_10=7
| poll2_11=9
| poll2_12=14
| poll2_13=9
| poll2_14=5
| poll2_15=9
| poll2_16=8
| poll2_17=6
| poll2_18=7
| poll2_19=2
| poll2_20=
}}
Awards and honors
- Kalin Lucas – Big Ten Player of the Year{{Cite web|title = Izzo, Lucas and Walton Earn Major Conference Awards – Michigan State Official Athletic Site|url = http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/030909aab.html|publisher = msuspartans.com|access-date = 2016-02-10|archive-date = 2016-03-04|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023107/http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/030909aab.html|url-status = dead}}
- Kalin Lucas – NABC All District First Team
- Kalin Lucas – USBWA All-District Team
- Kalin Lucas – AP All-American honorable mention
- Tom Izzo – Big Ten Coach of the Year (Coaches)
- Travis Walton – Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year
- Goran Suton – All Big Ten Second Team
- Goran Suton – NABC All District Second Team
- Raymar Morgan – All Big Ten Honorable Mention
- Delvon Roe – Big Ten All-Freshman Team
References
{{reflist|30em}}
{{Michigan State Spartans men's basketball navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:2008-09 Michigan State Spartans Men's Basketball Team}}
Category:Michigan State Spartans men's basketball seasons
Category:NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament Final Four seasons