John Beilein criticizes Michigan State basketball lineup decisions

Originally posted on Spartan Shadows | By Chris Davis | Last updated 2/27/24

Former Michigan head coach John Beilein had some interesting things to say about the Michigan State basketball lineups.

John Beilein knows Michigan State basketball and Tom Izzo as well as anyone outside of East Lansing.

The long-time Michigan Wolverine coach has faced the Spartans 23 times with a record of 9-14. Tom Izzo and Beilein have a well-documented respect for one another and a friendship off the court. After Beilein’s tenure at Michigan ended, Izzo told him “With you, I couldn’t even hate my rival anymore. You made me better.”

Given the relationship between these two great coaches, Beilein’s critique of the Spartans carries more weight than usual. Following the Spartans’ disappointing 60-57 loss to Ohio State at home Sunday afternoon, Beilein shared the following thoughts in the post-game wrap up:

"You can be too big."@JohnBeilein offers his take on Michigan State's lineup. pic.twitter.com/es9dRVXnrt

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) February 26, 2024

Beilein addressed the two-center lineup that Michigan State frequently turns to.

“These big guys are giving everything they have but when are they really producing baskets for Michigan State? They have to examine that and see if there’s another way.”

Beilein is sharing a sentiment that many Michigan State fans have been sharing all season. Beilein later stated that these types of lineups are increasingly difficult to use in todays league and should only be used for “a possession or two.”

The Spartans appeared to have momentum on their side Sunday afternoon through the first 10 minutes of the game. After that, Michigan State went to a lineup that featured Coen Carr, Mady Sissoko, and Carson Cooper. While Ohio State didn’t pull away at this point, there was a tangible shift in momentum as the Spartan offense became completely stagnant. The Spartans would again run a two-center lineup in the second half which allowed Ohio State to find its rhythm and make the game tense for Michigan State.

It’s difficult to watch Izzo and Co. to continue to try to force these pieces together on the court after having such a large sample size that it simply doesn’t work. While Izzo doesn’t have a care in the world about the fan perspective of how he should run his team, the hope is that the words of his friend and worthy opponent reach his ears and trigger a change.

This article first appeared on Spartan Shadows and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: