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Izzo Expects Spartans To Be Underestimated Again

LARRY LAGE, AP Sports Writer

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo says he expects his rebuilding program to be underestimated again, a day after the Spartans were eliminated in the NCAA tournament.

The Spartans will lose seniors Adreian Payne and Keith Appling. Gary Harris would stun no one if he entered the NBA draft, and Branden Dawson could choose to be done with college.

Izzo tells The Associated Press on Monday it would be wrong to sell his team short next year.

The national championship coach with six Final Four appearances expects Denzel Valentine and Travis Trice to take advantage of more minutes and shots. Izzo says Matt Costello, Gavin Schilling and Alvin Ellis will be counted on to contribute more next season.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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