All-Big Ten Preview: Raymar Morgan

by Alex Bozich in Media | November 4th, 2008

The All-Big Ten preview is ITH’s look at our picks for the top players in the Big Ten this season. Today: Raymar Morgan of Michigan State.

Raymar Morgan returns to East Lansing for his junior season as arguably the top returning player in the conference. (Sorry Robbie Hummel.) Morgan was a second team All-Big Ten selection last season and averaged 14 points and six rebounds for a team that reached the Sweet Sixteen and then ran into Derrick Rose.

With the departure of the inconsistent Drew Neitzel, Tom Izzo will now rely on Morgan to be his go-to-guy and he should thrive in that role. According to Izzo, Morgan worked tirelessly on the one major hole in his game, the three-point shot, during the offseason. If he can consistently hit from outside, he becomes a huge matchup problem.

Ultimately, the player of the year in the conference probably comes down to Morgan and Hummel and I’m giving Morgan the nod because I think Morgan is the more complete player and I like the Spartans to win the Big Ten.

Tags: Michigan State Spartans, Raymar Morgan, Tom Izzo

southsidehitmen

I wouldn't rule out Manny Harris as a potential POY candidate for this conference.

Morgan's a tough player, it'll be interesting to see how he has progressed from last season. Like Harris, I think Morgan would be best suited for a 'Robin' and not a 'Batman' role on a team. He got into foul trouble early too many times last season in some big games.

But good call on labeling him a matchup problem, as he can beat guys a lot of different ways, and is probably the best player on the best team in the conference.

Hoosier_Hound

Morgan is a good player no doubt, but I've seen him be way too inconsistent during games and between games to see him as POY. Hummel on the other hand goes full tilt for 40 min every game. He never seems to disappear for stretches the way Morgan has at times in past seasons.

I can't wait 'til you guys have to eat crow for not putting Kyle Taber on the first team, though. All season long other teams are going to be saying, "Don't Tabe me bro!"

Kathleen

I disagree. I believe that Morgan is the most dangerous player in the Big Ten because of a successful perimeter and down low shot. He is also very consistant with free throws and rebounds. Raymar definately has what it takes to be a POY.

shootit

I always thought Morgan was the inconsistent one, not Nieitzel. I can't think of one thing he does better than Hummel.

TomCoverdaleIUHero

Im gonna say Michigan State wins the big ten this year with lucas and roe in the backcourt and morgan in the front court they are going to be a very tough team i do think that Manny Harris will win Big Ten POY and then bolt to the NBA he is very talented and if he reaches his potential will be a helluva player

All-Big Ten Preview: Raymar Morgan

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