V-Cast: Comparoni breaks down Michigan State's basketball exhibition from beautiful Marquette, Mich.
MARQUETTE, Mich. – SpartanMag’s Jim Comparoni checked in with a solo edition of the SpartanMag V-Cast, recording live from the Superior Dome, following Michigan State’s 70-53 victory over Northern Michigan during the Superior Dome Showdown exhibition game before 11,500 fans.
Comparoni discusses the atmosphere at the packed Yooper Dome, with Northern Michigan alum and Iron Mountain native Tom Izzo returning to his home turf for a rousing salute, in conjunction with the kickoff to the 2024-25 basketball season.
Comparoni discussed the starting lineup, with Szymon Zapala surprisingly getting the call at the center position for Michigan State. The 7-foot transfer from Longwood led the Spartans with nine rebounds to go with six points.
In his post-game comments, Izzo cautioned media and fans not to look too deeply into the choices for the starting lineup, stating that guard Tre Holloman and center/power forward Jaxon Kohler have been playing well in practice.
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Comparoni made the point that the combination of Zapala with stretch-shooting power forward Xavier Booker offers some finesse and ruggedness in terms of balance. It’s a balance that Michigan State might have trouble harnessing if Booker and Kohler are on the court together. Meanwhile, playing Zapala and Carson Cooper together could leave Michigan State short-handed in terms of offensive skill. So combinations of Booker/Zapala and Kohler/Cooper make sense in that regard, early this preseason.
Other items were discussed, including freshman Jase Richardson leading Michigan State in scoring (11 points) and assists (four).
