ROSEMONT, Ill. (AP) — Michigan State was a unanimous pick to win the Big Ten, and Spartans guard Gary Harris was selected Preseason Player of the Year in a vote by conference media.
With four starters back from a team that went 27-9 and advanced to the Sweet 16, expectations are once again soaring for coach Tom Izzo’s Spartans. They beat out NCAA runner-up Michigan, with Ohio State picked third.
Leading the way for Michigan State is Harris, who averaged 12.9 points and was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year last season.
Spartans center Adreian Payne also made the first team, as did Michigan’s Mitch McGary and Glenn Robinson III, Ohio State’s Aaron Craft and Penn State’s Tim Frazier. Six players were selected because there was a tie.
