Spartan Avenue
Fansided

Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from Indiana blowout in Week 11

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 19: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his made basket late in the second half during a game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Breslin Center on January 19, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 19: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his made basket late in the second half during a game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Breslin Center on January 19, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 10: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a play during the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Breslin Center on January 10, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 10: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a play during the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Breslin Center on January 10, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

4. Jaren Jackson Jr. is a unicorn

Take it in, Spartan fans, because Jaren Jackson Jr.’s time in East Lansing is quickly running out. The star freshman big man from Carmel, Ind., is one of those rare talents which seems like a once-in-a-decade type of player.

Jackson Jr. didn’t have his best game on Friday night, but he did finish with 10 points, six rebounds, three blocks and three assists in 21 minutes. His three swats put him in sole possession of first place all-time in blocks by a freshman at Michigan State.

This is impressive given the fact that he’s approaching the single-season record for blocks at Michigan State by any player and there could be 20 games, or so, left in the season. He’s on pace to double what Deyonta Davis did in his one year.

The freshman big man doesn’t need to score points to have an impact, but it seems like no one can score on him in the post. His defense is improving and he loves the chase-down block. This kid is a special talent and we should all enjoy him before he departs for the NBA in a couple of months.

Home/Spartans Basketball