Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions vs. Long Beach State

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EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 18: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans drives around Braxton Bonds #30 of the Houston Baptist Huskies during the second half at the Jack T. Breslin Student Events Center on December 18, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 107-62. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. Cassius Winston dishes another 10 assists

Cassius Winston might be the biggest surprise on the team this year. Everyone knew his production would need to increase, and it has, but he has improved just about everything about his game. His assist numbers are up, steals are increasing, rebounds have improved and his shooting has been the best part of his game.

In fact, Winston is making 55 percent of his shots from the floor, up from 42 percent last year, and 58 percent from 3-point range which is way up from 38 percent. Moreover, he’s making about 86 percent of his free throws after making 78 percent last season.

Sophomore Cassius has been much more effective and his passing has been impressive as well. His assist numbers are up to 6.8 per game from 5.2 a year ago and he’s coming off his career-high (12) for a single game. How does he follow that up? By racking up another 10 assists, of course.

Winston seemingly has all the confidence in the world right now, but he will always make those errant throws while trying to create a highlight play. Against Long Beach State, he will have a number of highlight-reel passes, accumulating at least 10 for the second straight game. This will be an interesting trend to watch.

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