Michigan State Basketball: 5 Things on the Spartans' 2018 Christmas Wish List

Michigan State Basketball: 5 Things on the Spartans’ 2018 Christmas wish list

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 23: Matt McQuaid #20 and Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans hold up the championship trophy after winning the championship game of the 2018 Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational basketball tournament against Texas Longhorns at the Orleans Arena on November 23, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Michigan State defeated Texas 78-68. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 06: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans dribbles the ball against the Kansas Jayhawks during the State Farm Champions Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 6, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

1. Continued Durability out of Cassius Winston

So far in his career, Michigan State junior point guard Cassius Winston has yet to miss a start in his three years on campus. The first two years, unlike this year, he had a very capable backup PG option in Tum Tum Nairn Jr. Therefore, it would not have been a major problem if he had to miss some time.

This season, the only other point guard on MSU’s roster is true freshman Foster Loyer. While Loyer was one of the most prolific players in Michigan high school basketball history, he has not looked entirely ready to contribute this early. This is the very reason Winston has played 31 minutes per game this season. Tom Izzo has even stated that he intends to use starting winger Matt McQuaid at the point guard position, down the stretch this season, whenever Winston needs a breather. This could work for 5-10 minutes per game, but it would not make for an ideal long-term situation.

In addition to the obvious rotational dilemma this would create, Winston is one of the top point guards in the nation. Not only has he developed into a great scorer, Jay Bilas has called Winston the best passing-PG in the nation. Regardless of if that’s actually true or not, it is indisputable that he makes the entire offense tick.

Yes, Nick Ward might be named All-Big Ten 1st-Team by season’s end, Josh Langford has been taken a big step up, and Kenny Goins has been a tremendous glue-guy. Those facets of the team are all very important. It’s still Cassius Winston’s team though, and the Spartans will only go as far as he takes them this season.

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