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Michigan State Basketball: Aaron Henry emerging in Langford’s absence

By Tristan Freeman

EAST LANSING, MI - DECEMBER 03: AAron Henry #11 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a call during a game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Breslin Center on December 3, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - DECEMBER 03: AAron Henry #11 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a call during a game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Breslin Center on December 3, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State Basketball continues to win despite the absence of a key starter. Freshman Aaron Henry has been doing a great job so far filling in for him.

While the Michigan Wolverines have been getting most of the attention from the Big Ten as the powerhouse with the best shot at winning a national title, Michigan State has been quietly rising up the rankings as a legit threat themselves.

The Spartans are 17-2 overall and are the only unbeaten team left in the Big Ten at 8-0. Their latest win came Monday night against the Maryland Terrapins, a top-20 team themselves. Tom Izzo’s team used a dominant defensive effort, winning 69-55 after limiting Maryland to just 34% from the field.

Even with Nick Ward not scoring in the game, it was still a balanced effort offensively for the Spartans, with five different players reaching double figures. One of them was Aaron Henry, who played his best game of the season. The freshman had 12 points on 6/7 shooting while chipping in with six rebounds and four assists. It was his first time this season reaching double figures in scoring.

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Henry has always been part of the rotation for Michigan State, always playing at least 10 mpg off the bench for the team. Of all the freshmen, he was viewed as the most reliable of the group. Now his minutes – and production are going up at a good time for the team.

Despite the winning, the Spartans are dealing with some serious injury issues. Starter and key piece to the team Joshua Langford has missed the last six games and is out indefinitely with a foot issue. Wing Kyle Ahrens also has missed the last couple of games as well, which allowed Henry to start as of late. He’s taken the opportunities and has run with it.

The freshman has a different game than Langford, as he’s more of a slasher/inside forward than a shooter (six made three-pointers on the season). But with starting guards Cassius Winston (45% 3PT) and Matt McQuaid (46% 3PT) on the floor, the team isn’t lacking in the shooting department.

But there are benefits inside the arc, as the Spartans can use undersized lineups with Henry involved without sacrificing defense or the ability to rebound.

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Langford’s injury could be more longterm which undoubtedly will hamper Michigan State’s postseason aspirations. But with Henry continuing to develop and get vauable minutes in the regular season, he’ll be asset for the Spartans by March – whether Langford is back or not.

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