Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from win over Stony Brook

4. Xavier Tillman is growing up before our eyes

There’s always that moment in a player’s career where you can say, “Wow, he’s growing up.” For Xavier Tillman, that seemed to happen on Sunday night. After being relatively quiet in the first two games of the season and in the preseason, the freshman big man from Grand Rapids, Mich., had the best game of his young career.

No one expected Tillman to be a crucial member of the rotation this season with the depth that Michigan State has, but that doesn’t mean he can’t contribute when given the opportunity to earn some extra minutes.

With the bench shortened — thanks to injuries to Kenny Goins and Kyle Ahrens — Tillman was able to play some extra time on Sunday night, notching 13 minutes in the Spartans’ win. He finished with nine points, five rebounds and three blocks in the process, making the most of his time on the floor.

It was the most he has played in his career, albeit just three games, but he was aggressive in the post, called for the ball and made some nice moves with his feet to get to the bucket. He was 3-for-3 from the floor and his three blocks showed he has defensive abilities as well.

We are seeing Tillman grow before our very eyes.