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Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions for January

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 6, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; (Left to right) Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (not dressed) guard Cassius Winston (5) and guard Kyle Ahrens (0) celebrate from the bench during the second half against the Youngstown State Penguins at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Spartans win 77-57. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; (Left to right) Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (not dressed) guard Cassius Winston (5) and guard Kyle Ahrens (0) celebrate from the bench during the second half against the Youngstown State Penguins at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Spartans win 77-57. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 7, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Gavin Schilling (34) reacts to a play during the 1st half of a game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Gavin Schilling (34) reacts to a play during the 1st half of a game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Gavin Schilling returns

Is it official? No, but there’s a feeling around the program that Gavin Schilling might return at some point this season. While that might not seem like a big deal since the Spartans have been without him for over two months now, getting Schilling back would go a long way in helping a deep tourney run.

According to reports, he’s being re-evaluated in the middle of January and that will decide his fate this year.

I’m going out on a limb on this one and saying that Schilling will return. He has been without crutches for the past couple of weeks and seems to be walking without a limp. Unfortunately, I don’t have inside access to practices and can’t tell you if he’s working on the stationary bike or even jogging, but it seems like Izzo is hesitant to say he’s done for the season.

Without Schilling, it’s clear that the Spartans struggle down low. Michigan State is usually an elite rebounding team, but without the big man, they have been nothing more than average. That has to do a little with the absence of Bridges as well, though.

With Ben Carter out for the season, the coaching staff has a decision to make: will they pursue the return of Schilling for a couple of months or redshirt him?

In my opinion, having Schilling down the stretch this year will be more valuable than having him next year when more post depth will be coming in.

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