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Michigan State Basketball: Analyzing the Spartans’ rotation for 2018-19

By Tristan Freeman

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 16: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts during the first half against the Bucknell Bison in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 16: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts during the first half against the Bucknell Bison in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 20: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans gives instructions to his teammates during a game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Breslin Center on February 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 20: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans gives instructions to his teammates during a game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Breslin Center on February 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Point Guard

Minutes Allocation (40 total): Cassius Winston (31) and Foster Loyer (9)

Winston was a high-profile point guard in the 2016 recruiting class that played behind the upperclassman Nairn as a freshman. The team had their issues as a whole dealing with the youth and Winston himself went through his own up and downs.

But out of all of the rising sophomores, no one made a bigger leap in individual development than him. Gaining the starting job early in the season, the 6’0 ball handler was one of just a couple of players nationally to shoot over 50% from the field, 90% from the free throw line and nearly 50% from deep on over four attempts a game. He did all of that while leading the Big Ten in assists per game with 6.9 apg.

There are going to be some skepticism about Winston’s production from last season due to him being protected by the great frontcourt. The bigs down low will still be solid but the perimeter will be relied on more for the 2018-19 season. The rising junior should be more than ready to take on the task.

Winston also will be doing the same job that Nairn did for him – being a leader and teacher for the next Spartan guard. That will be Loyer, a top-100 overall player from Clarkston, Michigan who was named “Mr. Basketball” from the state. He’s an outstanding shooter who decent passing ability and playmaking skills.

Loyer is certainly not ready for major minutes but Winston being around for two years will help him develop into another quality guard for Tom Izzo and Michigan State. It’s the best of both worlds, having depth and talent at a crucial position.

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