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) /

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Underrated Michigan State basketball players

Mandatory Credit: Danny Moloshok /Allsport /

2. Charlie Bell, G, 1997-2001

We’ve hit one of the sweet spots in Michigan State basketball history with a member of the great Spartans teams of the late 90s and early 2000s. Cleaves and Morris Peterson are the two players most fans remember, but an important role player on that team was guard Charlie Bell.

A rugged defender, Bell was a key complementary piece behind the star power of guys like Cleaves and Peterson. Bell’s specialty was his defense as he was named Michigan State’s Defensive Player of the Year all four years he was a member of the Spartans.

Michigan State basketball never asked Bell to be their leading scorer, but he still was able to contribute offensively. Bell averaged double-figures in his junior and senior seasons, improving on the offensive end of the floor as his career progressed.

Another thing that Bell proved to be very good at was winning. Bell went to three straight Final Fours with the Spartans, serving as the leader of the 2001 team that got back to the Final Four after Peterson and Cleaves graduated.

After his playing days at Michigan State, Bell carved out a lengthy pro career that included a five-year run with the Milwaukee Bucks. Bell was always a hard-working player who valued winning and tough defense, qualities that made him an incredible asset for the Spartans.