Michigan State Basketball: 3 takeaways from Spartans home win over Iowa
By Ryan Kay
Rocket Watts has emerged as the 2nd scoring option for the Spartans
Watts shot over 50% from the field against the Hawkeyes scoring 21 points in helping Michigan State defeat No. 18 ranked Iowa. Watts as a true freshmen made a strong impression on head coach Tom Izzo early in the season with his excellent man to man defense. He was able to earn Izzo’s trust early in the season which resulted in him starting a good amount of games as a true freshman which is not common under coach Izzo.
Even though much was not expected of Watts offensively entering this season, things changed even before the first game of the season against Kentucky. As discussed before, the injury to Joshua Langford as well to early offensive struggles gave an opening to Watts to play a bigger role in the Spartans offense. Watts had his moments early in the season but has really played well offensively as of late.
Watts had scored in double digits only twice in non-conference play with his best offensive performance during early season play being against UCLA when he put up 12 points. Later in Big Ten play, he scored 10 points in the Spartans win at Minnesota, 16 points in a one-point loss at Wisconsin, and had an amazing offensive output when he scored 21 points at Illinois in helping lead Michigan State to a one-point victory on the road. His offensive performance against Iowa solidified him as the 2nd scoring option moving forward.
His individual stats this season doesn’t necessarily validate the argument that he will become the 2nd scoring option for Spartans moving forward. However, his demeanor and play on the court, especially against Iowa, suggests otherwise. As a true freshman, he looks fearless and not scared to take the shot when he could easily make the extra pass to Winston, Henry, or Tillman.
He can drive to the basket and make an acrobatic layup, he is able to stop in the paint and make the short-range basket, and he can make shots beyond the arch when needed. Watts could be the X factor in Michigan State’s quest to make another Final Four run.