Michigan State’s next test is team with zero returners

EAST LANSING – Zero.

Not a single minute was logged on the court last season by a Niagara player on the new roster.

Preparing for a program amid a complete reset is the difficult challenge Michigan State assistant Jon Borovich worked on into the wee hours after Monday night's season-opening win against Monmouth .

"We're trying to get personnel down," coach Tom Izzo said in a massive understatement.

Niagara, under fifth-year coach and former Duke standout Greg Paulus, finished 16-16 last year before a 100-65 win against Houghton on Monday. Seven different Purple Eagles hit double digits scoring in the opener, led by guard Jahari Williamson (Valparaiso) and wing Olumide Adelodun (Winona State).

On the flip side, Michigan State is coming off an 81-57 win against Monmouth on Monday in a solid performance after a roster overhaul.

"As I looked at the film, again, did a lot of good things. Defensive goals were off the charts, most of the offensive goals were," Izzo said while lamenting a 3-for-18 performance from 3-point range. "That was the only real negative issue, that and a little bit of reaching and stuff. ... It looked OK on film."

Michigan State lost its top three scorers from last season and Izzo got what he wanted game one with Jaden Akins taking over a role he earned. The senior guard tied a career high with 23 points to go with nine rebounds, five assists, two blocks and two steals. After Monmouth pulled within six early in the second half, Akins scored nine straight to end the threat and that's what Izzo expects out of his veteran leader.

"That was probably the best overall performance of his life, as far as covering all categories and I think he's capable of that," Izzo said of Akins. "Now we'll see if we can consistently do that."