Says Drew Neitzel: "Being more vocal this year is definitely a goal. I'm trying to pull some of the younger guys aside and even some of the older guys. I'm more comfortable walking up to a guy than yelling at him.
" Dale G. Young/The Detroit News
Teammate Travis Walton, left, can see some big games this season from Drew Neitzel. EAST LANSING -- Drew Neitzel isn't an intimidating physical presence.
He's 6-foot, 180 pounds, clean-shaven (including his head) and without a tattoo.
So it was easy for critics to say Neitzel couldn't stack up with Big Ten competition when he committed to Michigan State three years ago.
People said he wasn't quick enough.
He played against weak high school competition in the Grand Rapids area. And it was thought he couldn't thrive against defensive pressure.
But as someone who stresses constant improvement, Neitzel didn't get mad when he heard the criticism.
He just grabbed a ball and continued to work.
And it's that type of desire Neitzel continues to show today as he's earned a leadership role with the Spartans. It, however, is a position he's still trying to master.
"I have to lead by example," Neitzel said. "I have to do things the right way. I've been told to step up and be the go-to-guy.
I can't be afraid."
The first test for this junior is a Nov. 1 exhibition against Division II Grand Valley State at Van Andel Arena in his hometown of Grand Rapids.
His exalted status on the state's west side surely will be displayed for his loyal fans. In East Lansing, his legacy could be viewed differently from those of other former floor leaders.
Strong personalities such as Magic Johnson, Scott Skiles and Mateen Cleaves thrived in guard-oriented systems.
Neitzel, however, doesn't necessarily need the same personality traits to succeed.
His fundamentally sound game can do most of the talking.
That doesn't mean, though, that an occasional scream at a teammate or a chest bump for motivation won't be needed this season.
Neitzel wants to be more assertive.
"Being more vocal this year is definitely a goal," Neitzel said.
"I'm trying to pull some of the younger guys aside and even some of the older guys.
I'm more comfortable walking up to a guy than yelling at him. I don't want to disrupt practice, but I still want to help this team anyway I can."
If Neitzel can show more aggressiveness on the floor, he believes he can help carry a similar attitude away from the court.
Two major objectives for him this season are to visit the free-throw line more and attack the basket.
It's clear in practice Neitzel's ambidextrous shooting is a strength. Coach Tom Izzo praised Neitzel's hot touch after Wednesday's practice.
"It's more of his team now," Izzo said. " He's just shooting the ball incredibly well."
Leaders who can flat out put the ball in the basket definitely can be noticed, especially on a young and inexperienced team like the Spartans have this season.
Not only is Neitzel good at that, but he has other hidden talents, said Travis Walton, his backcourt teammate.
"He most definitely doesn't look like your average ball player," Walton said. "But he surprises you.
He's does some real nice two-ball handling drills. He does tricks."
Neitzel and Walton made it a point last summer to push each other.
Their relationship goes back to high school. Walton, of Lima, Ohio, knew very well his future teammate was turning heads in Michigan.
That's why he believes Neitzel can elevate his game and be the relentless, take-charge player Izzo is grooming him to be.
Expect to see a different player this season, Walton said.
"Drew knows what he's capable of doing and he'll be doing a lot more (this year)," Walton said.
Copyright 2006 The Detroit News.
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