Michigan State Basketball: Why Spartans are legit 2018-19 title contenders

3. Depth

The one thing that sets Michigan State apart from the rest is how deep of a team they are. In order to truly contend for a title, teams must have a bench to give their starters the needed rest to make it through the grind of a season. However, Michigan State has one of the deepest and most talented teams in the country and they are deep at virtually every position.

Losing Langford ensured Coach Izzo was going to need to test his depth this year, especially when Langford’s backup Kyle Ahrens also got hurt and has missed some time with a back issue. The player who has stepped in is true freshman Aaron Henry. The freshman is not going to come in a replace Langford and no one is expecting him to. The wing has contributed in every facet of the game since he become a starter in Langford and Ahrens absence. The minutes he is receiving now are going to help Michigan State in the long run especially when their stars return.

Freshman Xavier Tillman provides front court depth for the Spartans. Tillman plays the most minutes of any of the reserves. The big man is also the most polished offensive player of the entire bench group. Tillman protects the rim and plays great defense. He leads the Spartans in blocks and much like his counterpart Ward is a load inside the paint and is tough to navigate around on the offensive end. He does all of his work on the defensive end without fouling, which is huge for a Freshman.

The other key depth piece for coach Izzo is the backup point guard Foster Loyer. He does not play very many minutes, but while star Winston is on the bench getting a rest, Loyer is able to run the offense with efficiency and without turning the ball over. In the NCAA tournament your depth is tested from the very first game all the way to the last game. Having a deep team is what separates the contenders for the title from everyone else.