Busting Brackets
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Big Ten Basketball: 5 biggest questions for rest of 2019-20 season

By Tristan Freeman

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 13: Ohio State Buckeyes players celebrate with Brutus Buckeye after the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Value City Arena on November 13, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Villanova 76-51. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 13: Ohio State Buckeyes players celebrate with Brutus Buckeye after the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Value City Arena on November 13, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Villanova 76-51. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 03: Joshua Langford #1 of the Michigan State Spartans (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 03: Joshua Langford #1 of the Michigan State Spartans (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

1. With Josh Langford out, is Michigan State still a national title contender?

Mauro

Yes, they are still a contender. Langford was very important to their team but I have always felt and said publicly that Aaron Henry brings more to the table than Langford did. They have Henry and Malik Hall able to get valuable minutes now. The key to the Spartans is if Cassius Winston ever returns to how he was playing before. Understandably after losing his brother, he has said he doesn’t have the same love for hoops he once had. If he still plays at the level he was last year Michigan State is going to be just fine.

Brown

I don’t think they would be a national title contender without him. They could possibly make it to the final four or elite eight but with another top-tier team at full strength, they may have a tough time without his skillset on the court. In the meantime, it will be interesting to see who steps up in his place. Will it be one guy, a guard by committee? Only time will tell.

Chambers

Michigan State, in my opinion, is not a title contender. Josh Langford out is a huge blow to the team. This affects their chances at the Big Ten title as well. Tom Izzy will need to rework his gameplay.

Kay

No, that can change in March if the Spartans are able to win the Big Ten but right now the answer is no. Langford’s defense is missed but Michigan State with Rocket Watt defensive ability to guard on the perimeter makes up for Langford’s absence in that department. However, the Spartans desperately miss his mid-range offense and his three-point shooting. His on-court leadership is needed to help mentor the Spartans young guards and is missed. If Winston and company can produce some more consistent offense, then Michigan State can possibly be a final four contender.

Childs

If the Spartans aren’t a national title contender it isn’t because of the loss of Langford. They played almost all of last year without him and did just fine. While the loss hurts, it isn’t a huge blow because they had to have known he wasn’t going to be a big part of the team and have adjusted accordingly. The Spartans may have some issues right now but it isn’t the absence of Langford.

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