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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 talks to Michigan State Spartans guard Cassius Winston (5) during the first half of a game against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies 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 talks to Michigan State Spartans guard Cassius Winston (5) during the first half of a game against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

CASSIUS WINSTON. B+. . Guard. Freshman

If Cassius Winston had played all season long like he has over the past few games, he might just be the highest-graded player on the roster. The freshman point guard is looking the part and he earned his first start on Wednesday night against Oakland — the first of many.

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Winston has really turned the corner over the past few weeks and not having Bridges to fall back on might have been the trigger that got him flipped around. Well, that and a long conversation he had with Tom Izzo during a car ride a month ago. He has really grown to trust his head coach, and vice versa.

I’ll admit it, after watching him play in high school and through the first few games, I knew he had what it took to be a great Spartan point guard, but I didn’t think we’d see that until next season. However, he has really taken on a leadership role with Tum Tum Nairn struggling.

In fact, Winston’s start on Wednesday was something everyone had been hoping for and his teammates seemed to buy in to the young point guard. He’s been sloppy with the ball, at times, but he can also make unbelievable passes. He’s averaging 7.5 points and 6.0 assists per game and if he can improve on his 36 percent three-point shooting, watch out.

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