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NCAA Basketball: Updated early top-25 power rankings for 2020-21 season

By Tristan Freeman

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 5: Killian Tillie #33 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs dribbles the ball against the Villanova Wildcats in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden on December 5, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 5: Killian Tillie #33 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs dribbles the ball against the Villanova Wildcats in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden on December 5, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 17: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 17: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

. . . Spartans . 12. team. 486

NCAA Basketball power rankings – Michigan State Spartans

Losing former Big Ten Player of the Year and All-American Cassius Winston is going to be difficult to replace for the Spartans. For now, there are two players competing for the starting point guard position in Foster Loyer and Rocket Watts. The ladder is a combo guard who may be best suited to play off the ball, while the former has averaged fewer than eight minutes a night off the bench in two seasons.

That’s not the only offseason question surrounding Michigan State. Big man Xavier Tillman, guard Aaron Henry and forward Gabe Brown are all still in the NBA Draft waters. While the underclassmen are likely to come back for another season, Tillman seems like a 50-50 decision currently. Speaking of 50-50, that looks like the chance that quality shooting guard Joshua Langford makes a comeback and joins the roster. He’s missed the past two seasons with knee issues but still has eligibility and reportedly would like to return if healthy. Even if he’s not a 30 mpg, double-digit producer, Langford’s shooting alone would make him a valuable asset.

What isn’t a question is Marquette transfer forward Joey Hauser having a big impact for the Spartans next season. After sitting out last year, the 6’9 versatile forward would be a great offensive weapon and with Tillman would have one of the best 1-2 frontcourt punches in the country. And even if Tillman doesn’t return, look or top-40 center freshman Mady Sissoko to be a major contributor for the team.

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