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Michigan State Basketball: Report card for non-conference play

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 21, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo reacts to a play during the first half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo reacts to a play during the first half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 21, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo reacts to a play during the first half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo reacts to a play during the first half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

What does the report card look like for Michigan State basketball after the conclusion of non-conference play?

Through 13 non-conference games, Michigan State basketball has posted an 8-5 record and it looks like the Spartans might be getting some help soon in the form of Miles Bridges. The talented freshman has been out for three weeks with an ankle injury and the Spartans are hoping to have him back by the Big Ten opener next week.

Michigan State’s record might not be indicative of a team with plenty of talent littered throughout the roster, but the Spartans are definitely one of the more intriguing teams in the conference. Four talented freshmen lead the way along with Eron Harris, who has yet to really play well, and a few others who are waiting to break out.

Not many thought the season would be this rough so far, but injuries to Gavin Schilling and Ben Carter will do that to a team, as well as an early departure from Deyonta Davis.

With non-conference play finally in the books, let’s take a look at the Spartans’ report card through the first 13 games of the year.

C+. . Guard. Senior. ERON HARRIS

Eron Harris is a guy who I’d like to see more out of. You might think this C+ grade is a bit harsh for the team’s second-leading scorer, but he has looked lost, at times, on the court and he’s supposed to be a leader and upperclassman. He has not lived up to the expectations and Michigan State won’t go very far this year if he’s not playing well.

Right now, he’s averaging 13.4 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 45 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range. However, he keeps disappearing when he’s on the floor.

Harris will have games in which he scores 20-plus points and makes it look easy and then the next he’s looking like a freshman, making silly mistakes, traveling and turning the ball over. He needs to find a middle ground and just bring it every night. He has the ability to create his own shot, yet rarely uses it.

Time for Harris to step up and be a senior leader.

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