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NCAA Basketball: Threats to Zion emerge in National Player of the Year race

By Brian Rauf

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 14: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts after a dunk against the Syracuse Orange during the first half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 14, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 14: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts after a dunk against the Syracuse Orange during the first half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 14, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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LINCOLN, NE – JANUARY 17: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans attempts a shot over Isaac Copeland Jr. #14 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Pinnacle Bank Arena on January 17, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE – JANUARY 17: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans attempts a shot over Isaac Copeland Jr. #14 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Pinnacle Bank Arena on January 17, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

5) Cassius Winston, PG, Michigan State

Stats: 18.2 ppg, 7.3 apg
LW: NR

Winston has been a really steady player for Michigan State over the past year and a half and, now that the Spartans have won 11 games in a row (including the last five without Joshua Langford), he’s starting to get more of the national recognition he deserves.

Turnovers can still be a problem for Winston at times but he’s one of the best playmakers in the entire country. Head coach Tom Izzo has praised Winston for his ability to control a game, dictate the tempo, and pick his spots.

As a result, Winston has flourished as Michigan State’s unquestioned leader after Miles Bridges left for the NBA last year. He may have had his best offensive game of the year on Thursday against Nebraska (29 points) and also has five games with double-digit assists.

Winston has several more opportunities for big moments that can boost his chances in the National Player of the Year race, too, starting with Monday’s showdown against Maryland. If he plays as well as he did against Nebraska, look out.

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