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Michigan State Basketball: Jaren Jackson Jr. shines vs. Ferris State

By Connor Muldowney

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 29: Quade Green #0 of the boys east team shoots over Jaren Jackson Jr. #8 of the boys west team during the 2017 McDonalds's All American Game on March 29, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The West Team won 109-107. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 29: Quade Green #0 of the boys east team shoots over Jaren Jackson Jr. #8 of the boys west team during the 2017 McDonalds's All American Game on March 29, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The West Team won 109-107. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /
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Despite a shaky performance overall, Michigan State basketball had some bright spots, including the play of true freshman Jaren Jackson Jr.

Just like the football team, Michigan State basketball won in ugly fashion to start exhibition play on Thursday night. Ferris State came to town, hungry for an upset and nearly pulled one off, taking a three-point lead into halftime.

Must Read: MSU Football: 5 breakout candidates vs. Northwestern

Michigan State, the No. 2 team in the country, bounced back in the second half and came out on top, 80-72, despite a 34 percent shooting effort. That won’t cut it in the regular season, but that’s what the exhibitions are for. This team has far too much talent to squander layup-caliber games against teams like Ferris State — no disrespect to that program.

Take a look at just how poor the overall performance was on Saturday via the box score:

Clearly the Spartans were shaking off some rust. However, there was one major bright spot on that box score — well, maybe three including Miles Bridges and Cassius Winston — and it was the play of true freshman forward Jaren Jackson Jr.

One thing was evident when he was on the floor: teams did not want to drive to the basket against him. He was swatting shots left and right and finished with eight blocks, eight rebounds and 14 points. You read that right, nearly a triple-double in his first collegiate game — albeit just an exhibition.

The freshman isn’t just a shot-blocker, though, he can also put the ball on the floor and drive to the rim for some easy points. Just check out this poster he created on Thursday:

Now that’s some crazy athleticism for a 6-foot-11 forward. Just wait until he shows off his range from the perimeter. Enjoy him while you can, Spartan fans, he won’t be around long.

Next: MSU Recruiting: 5 bold predictions for October

Jackson Jr. seemed unfazed by the change of pace at the collegiate level and looked like a man amongst boys on the floor. He’s going to be a crucial piece to Michigan State’s national title puzzle this season.

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