MSU's Appling named a captain midway through season

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Tom Izzo did something he said he has never done before, but he did it "his way."

And now, Keith Appling will have to lead Izzo's way.

For what he says was the first time in his 17 years at Michigan State, Izzo named a captain midway through the regular season.

"Keith has changed. He's a better communicator, he's got a long way to go to please me, but I like that fact that he's doing that," Izzo said.

The Spartans head coach compared his point guard to Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III.

"He's kind of the reincarnated RGIII," Izzo said in reference to Griffin being named captain of his team during his rookie campaign.

Izzo said naming Appling a captain isn't a knock on current captains Derrick Nix and Russell Byrd. In fact, he said it was the pair who suggested to Izzo that he make the duo a trio.

Always privileged with the last word, Izzo had a closing challenge for Appling.

"If he is leading by example, he's gonna have to do it my way."

Note: SpartanNation cites Isaiah Dahlman as a mid-season captain.