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

Center

Minutes Allocated (40 total): Nick Ward (22), Xavier Tillman (15) and Braden Burke (3)

Burke is a preferred walk-on with D-1 experience at Robert Morris. He averaged a few points and rebounds with them before coming back home with the Spartans. He’s obviously not going to factor much in meaningful minutes but based on some playing limits of some guys he could be a nice body to use at the end of halfs.

For the third year in a row, Ward is the projected starter at center. In roughly the same amount of minutes, the 6’8 center was much more efficient, making 65% of his attempted shots. He’s not physically suited to play more than 25 minutes in a given game, he has to make the most out of his time. Averaging around 15 and eight a number would be good production for next season.

Backing up Ward will be where Tillman gets the bulk of his minutes. He’s more fit to play the center position since he primarily operates in the post but the rising sophomore has the potential to spread the floor a bit.

Next: Breaking down Michigan State's 2018 recruiting class

What makes Tillman the best bet to come off the bench is his ability to play both positions. Ward certainly can’t play outside of center and neither Bingham or Goins has the size to effectively play the five-spot. You don’t have to start to play a big role on the team and that’s what Tillman can do best to make Michigan State a Final Four threat for another season.