Spartans still have Allen (for now)

No new news on the Chris Allen front. Tough to say if that qualifies as good news, however.

A series of tweets compiled by KJ over at the Only Colors had these tidbits regarding Allen, a 6-3 guard who’ll be a senior this season if he decides to stay at Michigan State:

WILX’s Jeremy Sampson:
1. Chris Allen tells WILX today that “It’s all good everything is fine and this is just all rumors you heard it hear from me.”
2. It’s important to note that Tom Izzo said after the season that the decision might not be the players and we haven’t heard from Izzo on this subject.

WLNS’s Lisa Byington:
1. talked to #izzo on road recruiting. Izzo says “nothing has changed and (Allen) still has some things to prove both on & off the court”
2. #izzo stressed to me that Chris Allen’s status is still very much in limbo. and it will be izzo and not Allen who decides if he is on roster

Why all the attention to a guy who may not even crack the Spartans’ starting lineup next season? Well, as KJ points out, Allen’s one of the few - perhaps only--guys on the roster who’s capable of being a lock-down defender. And those players are crucial in the Big Ten (ask Purdue if it’ll miss Chris Kramer this season).

Even if Allen bolts, Michigan State will be among the serious contenders for the 2011 NCAA tournament title. But with him, the Spartans will push Duke for the preseason No. 1 ranking.

I’d say that’s worth a little obsession.

Mike Miller’s also on Twitter, usually talkin’ hoops. Click here for more.