Conference Big Ten Conference Head coach Tom Izzo (2nd year) Assistant coach Stan Heath (1st year) | 1996–97 record 17–12 (9–9 Big Ten) Assistant coach Tom Crean (2nd year) | |
Assistant coach Mike Garland (1st year) | ||
The 1996–97 Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team represented Michigan State University in the 1996–97 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The team played their home games at Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan. They were coached by second-year head coach, Tom Izzo and were member of the Big Ten Conference. The Spartans finished the season with a record of 17–12, 9–9 in Big Ten play to finish in a tie for sixth place. MSU received a bid to the National Invitation Tournament for the second consecutive year where they defeated George Washington in the first round, but lost to Florida State in the second round.
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This season was notable as the last season MSU did not make the NCAA Tournament.
Previous season
The Spartans finished the 1995–96 season with an overall record of 16–11 and in sixth place in the Big Ten with a 9–9 record. Michigan State received an invitation to the NIT and advanced to the second round.
The Spartans lost Quinton Brooks (16.3 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 0.6 APG) to graduation and Jamie Feick (10.1 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2.3 APG) to the NBA Draft following the season.
Season summary
The Spartans began the season looking for their first trip to the NCAA Tournament since 1995. They were led by freshman Mateen Cleaves (10.2 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 5.0 APG) and seniors Ray Weathers (13.6 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 1.6 APG) and Jon Garavaglia (10.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.1 APG). The Spartans played no ranked teams in the non-conference season. MSU finished the non-conference season at 7–1.
The Spartans opened the Big Ten season with losses to No. 12 Indiana and No. 15 Minnesota. A four-game winning streak followed, but was stopped by a five-game losing streak including losses to No. 13 Michigan in a non-conference matchup and at No. 16 Michigan. The Spartans ended the season on a high note with a win over No. 25 Indiana. The Spartans finished in a tie for sixth place in the conference with a record of 16–11 overall and 9–9 in conference.
The Spartans received an invitation to the NIT for the second consecutive year. MSU beat George Washington in the first round and lost in the second round to Florida State. As of 2016, this is the last year MSU failed to make the NCAA Tournament.