Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions vs. Cleveland State

2 of 5

EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 21: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates from the bench during the game against the Long Beach State 49ers at Breslin Center on December 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

4. Jaren Jackson Jr. finishes with double-double, six blocks

Sooner or later, Jaren Jackson Jr. is going to realize just how dominant he can be at the collegiate level and start recorded double-doubles on a regular basis. That may very well start with a mismatch against Cleveland State.

The Vikings are one of the worst rebounding teams on Michigan State’s schedule to date, averaging closer to 30 boards per contest. That will play in Jackson Jr.’s favor as he will snag 12 boards and score 13 points on his way to another double-double.

Tom Izzo knows his star freshman is capable of much more and wants him to be a better shooter from the perimeter, so expect him to take his fair share of shots from deep. However, Michigan State will need him to dominate the post as well. He is fully capable of averaging a double-double if he plays to potential.

Not only will Jaren finish with 13 points and 12 rebounds, but he will also record six blocks. He’s going to have himself yet another confidence-boosting game before the Spartans reach conference play. Against teams that try to get the hole, Jackson Jr. loves rejecting shots. He will approach a triple-double with blocks.

Home/Spartans Basketball