Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from win over Nebraska in Week 4

4 of 5

EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 3: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts during the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Breslin Center on December 3, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

2. Nick Ward is more efficient than anyone in the Big Ten

You’d be hard pressed to find a more efficient player in college basketball right now than Nick Ward. The sophomore big man is averaging just 18 minutes per game this season and is averaging 14.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.

On top of all that, he’s shooting an astounding 68 percent from the floor. When he gets the ball in the post, it’s almost a guarantee that he’s going to get either fouled or make a nice baby hook or back-to-the-basket move. He was virtually unstoppable on Sunday night as Nebraska’s bigs had no choice but to hack him.

Ward has become the most efficient player on the floor and he must see more minutes as the season progresses. If there was any doubt about his defensive abilities, those were answered on Sunday as he was able to block three shots and altered a number of others.

If Michigan State can get consistent, effective contributions out of him, the Spartans are going to have arguably the best big man in the Big Ten. Just imagine what he could do if he averaged 20-25 minutes per game. We are looking at an All-Big Ten forward.

Home/Spartans Basketball