Big Ten Basketball Preseason Power Rankings: 1-7

2. Michigan State

Apr 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) reacts after a three-point basket against the Duke Blue Devils in the first half of the 2015 NCAA Men

2014-15 Record: 27-12 (12-6)

Key Players:

F Denzel Valentine, Sr

G Lourawls Nairn, So

G Bryn Forbes, Sr

G Eron Harris, Jr

F Deyonta Davis, Fr

F Gavin Schilling, Jr

Outlook:

Despite losing Travis Trice and Branden Dawson to graduation, Michigan State will be just fine this season.

The expectations this season are probably even higher than they were last season. Valentine and Forbes will be major focal points of the offense in their senior seasons. Toss in Harris, who is a proven scorer, and the Spartans have the potential to be lethal this year.

What could make or break their season could be the development of players like Nairn and Schilling. If they can improve on their performance from a season ago, the Spartans could be dangerous.

Look for Michigan State to compete for the Big Ten title and possibly, make a second consecutive trip to the Final Four.

Projected Record: 25-4 (15-3)