" title="Spartans Weblog">Spartans Weblog

Anyone notice how much love Goran Suton is getting in the media this week?

Suton responds after being main target of Izzo’s ire (LSJ)

MSU’s Suton is blossoming at last (Detroit News)

MSU’s Suton playing with passion (Mlive)

From the Mlive article:

What coach Tom Izzo told the group 24 hours before playing Wisconsin, while important, was nonetheless unremarkable.

For some reason, however, something finally connected for Goran Suton, who 11 days and three games earlier had zero points, no field-goal attempts, one rebound and four turnovers in 16 minutes of the Spartans’ lackluster loss at Indiana.

Call it an epiphany, say the light went on, believe a choir of angels started singing Hallelujah.

Let’s see what the stats say about this “epiphany.” Here are Suton’s averages for the 27 games prior the Wisconsin game and the 8 games beginning with the Wisconsin game.

There’s clearly been a distinct up-tick in Suton’s productivity since the IU game–about one and a half points and rebounds per game. But he’s basically doing what he’s been doing all season long: scoring efficiently, rebounding on both ends of the floor, and playing surprising active defense for a nonathletic big man. The one fundamental shift is the reduction in turnovers.

I will concede he’s been more consistent in the more recent games–scoring at least 6 points and grabbing at least 6 rebounds in all 8 games. Of course, it’s easier to be consistent over 8 games than over 27 games. I think the media is largely latching on to the his big performances in a couple key games–the road loss to Wisconsin, the home win against IU, and the game against Pittsburgh.

Also, as I’ve commented in the past, some of Suton’s historical inconsistency relates to the nature of the MSU offense. I do think he’s been more assertive over the last 8 games, but I also think the teams has made a more concerted effort to get him the ball. (Offseason project: Compare Suton’s “inconsistency” to that of other MSU/Big Ten players.)

Anyway, I’m glad he’s getting some recognition for what he brings to the team. It’s just that, for the most part, he’s been doing these things all season. If he can keep doing a little more of those things this weekend–and into next season–all the better.

Tags: goran suton