Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from first exhibition win

Jan 17, 2015; College Park, MD, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Javon Bess (2) drives to the basket as Maryland Terrapins guard/forward Dez Wells (44) defends during the second half at Xfinity Center. Maryland Terrapins defeated Michigan State Spartans 75-59. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

3. Javon Bess deserves to start

Playing the second-most minutes out of anyone on the team, sophomore forward Javon Bess is looking to make an impression after appearing in just 13 games a season ago and not having much of an impact and dealing with an injury that kept him out the better part of the season.

Bess started the game for Michigan State in the post and didn’t disappoint, scoring 11 points and grabbing nine rebounds, nearing the coveted double-double achievement. It seemed as if he was pretty healthy in this one, making shots, drawing fouls and going up for rebounds, but his overall presence on the court was worthy of noting.

When the sophomore was in the game, it seemed like Michigan State was clicking on all cylinders and Detroit Free Press MSU writer Joe Rexrode even stated that the second-year player was the Spartans’ top bright spot in the exhibition opener — which is saying a lot seeing as about five guys really stood out.

Missing the last few months of the 2014-15 season with a foot injury left no rust on the big man and he looks like a clear-cut starter as of right now. It’s still too early to tell if Matt Costello will be a starter, but when Marvin Clark Jr. comes back as well, this team will be very deep in the post.

Next: 2. Bryn Forbes could be a breakout star