Michigan State Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Spartans

Reserves

Xavier Tillman, Center, Sophomore

Tillman showed immense potential in limited playing time as a freshman and should see a much bigger role as a sophomore. He will likely split the center position with Nick Ward, but if they can play together, Tillman should be on everyone’s breakout player list. The 6’8” big man can score from the mid-range and in and plays with great energy. He averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg as a freshman and should more than double his production in year two.

Foster Loyer, PG, Freshman

Loyer is the freshman who is most likely to earn immediate playing time as he is the clear backup PG. He could also play alongside Winston in a small, but dynamic backcourt. His shooting could get him minutes in the dual PG look, but his biggest opportunity will come as a junior when Winston has graduated.

Aaron Henry, Wing, Freshman

Henry was ranked outside of the top 100, but could make an immediate impact coming off Michigan State’s bench. The 6’6” lefty is an extremely versatile player who can play 2-4, whether the Spartans opt for a big or small lineup. Physically, Henry does not look like a typical freshman and his size allows him to be an effective slasher. Perimeter shooting is a concern, but Henry’s multi-positional attributes should get him on the court.

Kyle Ahrens, Wing, Junior

Ahrens’ potential role is very hard to decipher. The 6’6” wing played in almost every game as a sophomore and averaged over 8 minutes per game, but missed all of last season with a foot injury. He provides experience and shooting, but there are multiple freshmen wings joining the Spartans with higher upsides. I’d guess Ahrens plays a similar role to two seasons ago if he is healthy.

Gabe Brown, Wing, Freshman

Brown is yet another versatile energetic wing who will come off the bench for Coach Izzo. He can also play 2-4 and excels in transition where he can grab a rebound and push the break himself. The 6’7” lefty is dripping with potential and if he can consistently knock down perimeter shots, it will be impossible to keep him on the bench.

Marcus Bingham, PF, Freshman

Bingham is the highest rated freshman in Michigan State’s 2018 class and he is their power forward of the future. Listed at 6’11” and 235 lbs, Bingham will also play some center where he will be a matchup nightmare due to his shooting and mobility. He is more of a finesse player who likes to space the floor, but he can also disrupt and block shots with his length. Even though he is listed at 235 lbs, Bingham looks very lanky and could take some time to develop the necessary strength to play at the high major level. Luckily for Michigan State, they have a plethora of options (Henry, Brown, Ahrens, and maybe even Tillman) to play behind Goins at PF, so Bingham can be eased in.

Thomas Kithier, PF, Freshman

Kithier is the least likely of the freshmen to play and could even redshirt this season as Marcus Bingham is ranked higher at the same position and in the same graduating class.