Michigan State Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Spartans
Starters
Point Guard- Cassius Winston, Junior
Winston made massive strides between his freshman and sophomore seasons and is now considered one of the best point guards in college basketball. He finished in the top ten nationally in assists per game (6.9 apg) and shot nearly 50% from long-range which shows just how effective he was last season. Winston also averaged 12.6 ppg to go along with these elite facilitating and shooting numbers. With Bridges and Jackson gone, Winston will become the face of this Michigan State squad and could be a leading candidate for Big Ten Player of the Year.
Shooting Guard- Matt McQuaid, Senior
McQuaid has been a valuable reserve in each of his first three seasons with the Spartans but will be tasked with a much bigger role in his senior season. He posted career highs in scoring (6.0 ppg) and shooting (52 made threes, 39%) as a junior and could average double figures in his final year. McQuaid’s playing time looks pretty safe, given the alternatives, but if he can consistently impact the game in other ways (ie hustle plays, defense, etc) he will be a crucial piece to this team.
Small Forward- Joshua Langford, Junior
Langford came into college with immense hype due to his status as a 5-star and top 15 player. He has not lived up to those lofty expectations after two years, but he has a golden opportunity to take that next step as a junior. Langford figures to be the go-to offensive scorer now that Bridges has left for the NBA and playing next to an elite college PG like Winston will only make his life easier. The 6’5” wing hasn’t been bad by any stretch of the imagination as he averaged 11.7 ppg and shot 40% from three, but those numbers aren’t indicative of his previous reputation. I expect Langford to finally take that step forward and average 15-17 ppg.
Power Forward- Kenny Goins, Senior
Goins is a former walk-on who has consistently played rotation minutes for Michigan State. He has clearly earned the trust of Coach Tom Izzo and could be the opening day starting PF despite his offensive limitations. The 6’7” senior is a good defender who moves well laterally for his size, an ideal trait for defending more perimeter oriented four men. Goins averaged 2.1 ppg and 2.8 rpg last season and is likely a placeholder until one of the freshmen emerge.
Center- Nick Ward, Junior
Ward is a skilled interior scorer who averaged 12.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg, and 1.3 bpg in just under 19 minutes per game. Despite these limited minutes, Ward was third on the team in scoring and first in rebounding. Ideally, with so many big men gone from last year, Ward would play starters minutes and see close to 30 minutes per contest. However this archetype, the bulky and skilled center, usually plays less than his talent level indicates because of stamina reasons. Ward is clearly good enough to be an All-Big Ten level talent, but can he stay on the court and remain effective? If he can play starters minutes, Michigan State will be even more dangerous.