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Michigan State Basketball: Should we be worried about Nick Ward’s frustration?

By Connor Muldowney

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)
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) /
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Michigan State basketball had a rough game against Rutgers on Tuesday and Nick Ward played minimally. Should we be worried about his frustration?

Frustration sometimes boils over for players under Tom Izzo. The veteran head coach is known for pushing players’ buttons to teach them lessons and Nick Ward is currently experiencing that.

Must Read: MSU Basketball: Sloppy play nearly costs Spartans vs. Rutgers

The sophomore big man from Gahanna, Ohio, hasn’t seen as much of the floor as he would have hoped this season, despite being a starter and an All-Big Ten preseason talent. Still, he’s been one of the most efficient players in the conference.

On Tuesday night against Rutgers, he finished with just three points and five rebounds in only 11 minutes. After the game, it was clear that he was frustrated, but claimed he was “in a better spot.”

Ward’s mom also weighed in on the lack of floor time for her son.

Note: The tweet has since been deleted.

With all of this looming over the team after an 8-1 start to the year and 2-0 record in Big Ten play, should the Spartans be worried about his frustration?

Honestly, no. This is something that nearly every big man has gone through at Michigan State. It’s happened with Derrick Nix, Adreian Payne, Matt Costello and others throughout the tenure of Izzo, and Ward is just the latest to be “taught a lesson” by the Hall of Fame coach.

Is his defense that bad to the point he should play only one minute in the second half? Absolutely not, but this could be something that sparks him to be a better overall player and you better believe Izzo will welcome Ward’s open frustration. Don’t be surprised if you hear about a meeting between the two where they talk, or yell, concerns out.

Ward is going to be just fine, but he’s a young player with a world full of potential in his hands. He’s going to be a better player, but for now, it’s time for Izzo and Ward to settle things behind the scenes. He’s a big piece to the Spartans’ championship puzzle.

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