Michigan State basketball: 5 most underrated players in Spartans history

ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 18: Bryn Forbes #5 of the Michigan State Spartans shoots against Giddy Potts #20 of the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in the second half during the first round of the 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 18, 2016 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

1 of 5

(Photo by Ken Levine/Getty Images) /

Who are the most underrated Michigan State basketball players of all time?

A true college basketball blue blood, Michigan State has built a winning tradition. Plenty of legendary players have worn the Green and White, including Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and current NBA star Draymond Green.

Stars get all the press, but there have been plenty of underrated players to suit up for Michigan State basketball over the years. Let’s take a look at five such Spartans, beginning with Jay Vincent.

5. Jay Vincent, F, 1977-1981

Johnson was the star attraction at Michigan State basketball in the late 1970s, but Vincent was that team’s second-best player. Vincent was an integral part of the 1979 national champions and was asked to step up more once Johnson went pro after the season.

Michigan State saw Vincent step up to the plate, leading the Big Ten in scoring as a junior and senior. Vincent’s senior year was a very strong one as he averaged 19.3 points per game and earned Third-Team All-American status.

Despite his college success, Vincent slipped to the second round of the 1981 NBA Draft, where he was taken by the Dallas Mavericks. Vincent spent a decade in the NBA and played another three years overseas as part of a solid professional career.