Michigan State vs Kansas: 5 storylines to follow

Nov 13, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo talks to guard Eron Harris (14) during the first half of a game against the Florida Atlantic Owls at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

2. Eron Harris’ improvement on both sides of the court

Izzo has talked about the need for Eron Harris to improve on defense in order to see more time on the court and help this team out. He looked better against Florida Atlantic, but his offense suffered.

Harris, a West Virginia transfer who sat out last season per NCAA rules, has been expected to carry a large role with the Spartans as he averaged over 17 points a game with the Mountaineers before deciding to pack it up and come to State.

Will we see him improve on defense tonight, leading to more offensive opportunities?

Playing just 17 minutes off the bench in the season-opener at the Breslin Center had to be tough for this self-proclaimed late-bloomer, but he knows that he has to earn his role with the team, as he did on scout team last season while he was ineligible to participate in live games.

Michigan State is going to need a lot more than a 2-of-7 shooting night, including 0-for-4 on threes, out of the junior guard and don’t be surprised if he steps up to show he has the capability to get things done on both sides of the ball, racking up double-digit points.

Harris will likely be the first or second guy off the bench in Tuesday night’s game against Kansas and he could play the role of secret weapon even though Kansas has faced him twice before — Harris scored 17 and 28, respectively, against the Jayhawks in two previous meetings.

Next: 1. Freshmen stepping up