Michigan State Basketball: 5 reasons not to panic after Michigan loss

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 13: Head coach Tom Izzo, Associate Head Coach Dwayne Stephens and Assistant Coach Dane Fife of the Michigan State Spartans looks on during the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Breslin Center on January 13, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 13: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket while defended by Isaiah Livers #4 of the Michigan Wolverines at Breslin Center on January 13, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

4. Jaren Jackson Jr. proved that he has fire in him

Looking for a bright spot? Jaren Jackson Jr. was just that on Saturday despite the loss to the Wolverines. He showed that he can be the biggest mismatch for opponents in the Big Ten, drawing foul after foul and being more aggressive in the post.

Sure, the problem with his offensive game through the first couple of months was that Tom Izzo was OK with him standing out at the perimeter and settling for threes, but after watching film from the Michigan game, he has to be demanding his star freshman to play more in the post.

More post plays need to be run through Jackson Jr. and while he can still step out and make shots every now and then, he’s more effective down low. He arguably had his best game as a Spartan, scoring 19 points, blocking six shots and grabbing three rebounds, adding some highlight dunks in the process.

Jackson Jr. may not be as strong as he’d like yet, but he’s gaining confidence and Saturday was a big step for the 6-foot-11 freshman.

Aggressiveness was showcased by Jackson Jr. throughout the entire game for the first time this season.

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