Big Ten Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2020-21 season

Michigan State may have as many questions as any team in the conference going into next season, but Tom Izzo always finds a way – especially with some of the talent that is still on the roster.

Cassius Winston was one of the best players in program history and losing him is a very significant blow. Xavier Tillman is expected to remain in the NBA Draft as well, meaning the Spartans are also losing one of the best defensive big men in the country.

They were the only two Michigan State players that averaged over 10 points per game and Tillman was the only true big man that consistently saw significant playing time. How will the Spartans replace that offensive production and who will fill that hole in the middle?

Aaron Henry and Gabe Brown will now be thrown into featured roles, something they have spent the last two seasons preparing for. Rocket Watts really came on down the stretch and should take over for Winston, and the combination of Malik Hall and Marcus Bingham Jr. look ready to start in the frontcourt.

Talent is certainly not an issue for that lineup, but consistency has been – and all of them will be in new roles. Are they ready for them, and how quickly can they get there?

Depth will be a concern as well, as Foster Loyer is the only other returning player who was consistently in Izzo’s rotation. The additions of freshmen Mady Sissoko and AJ Hoggard should help (especially Sissoko on the inside) but, again, that’s the Spartans relying on unproven players.

Do I trust Izzo to have this group figured out and peaking by the end of the regular season? Absolutely. But I also expect for there to be some significant bumps along the way.