Harrison Barnes Poll

[mplscyclone]

Who are these two NBA players you're talking about? Greg Kelser, yes, was already there, and Michigan State was 12-15 with him as the star. I am not aware of another one. Jay Vincent, also from hometown Lansing, came in with Magic to play for Heathcoate. He was also very highly recruited.
Magic was being talked about as an NBA star while still in high school, and left for the NBA after his sophomore year. He was there to play basketball. He was never in danger of being named academic all-Big Ten.
As far as Magic being the "final piece" - he was THE piece. Michigan State was losing prior to his arrival, won two Big Ten titles and an NCAA title with him, and promptly has losing records again after he left.
Magic and Vincent would be like...Barnes and Dykstra.

I got the timing wrong, I didn't realize Vincent was a freshman too...

Kind of insane to compare Magic Johnson and Vincent to Barnes and Dykstra though... I think there's no comparison at all. I'd take Magic by himself over Barnes and Dykstra....

I do not think that having Barnes come in would make us National Title contenders though. We'd have a good team, and compete with the Big XII, make the NCAAs, but expecting national championships in 2 years is a little lofty.

College basketball is tough. I look at a team like Texas a couple of years ago when they had Durant, and Augustine and didn't even win the Big XII... Getting 2 great players and even possible NBA types as freshmen and winning the title is just so hard.

I'd be all for it if it happens, but I'm not expecting it. I try to be somewhat reasonable...