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Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from sloppy win over Illinois

By Connor Muldowney

CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 22: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans dunks the ball against Leron Black #12 of the Illinois Fighting Illini at State Farm Center on January 22, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 22: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans dunks the ball against Leron Black #12 of the Illinois Fighting Illini at State Farm Center on January 22, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 4: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Breslin Center on January 4, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 4: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Breslin Center on January 4, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

3. Jaren Jackson Jr. is Tom Izzo’s most unique player ever

Just watching Jaren Jackson Jr. on Monday night was a treat not just for Michigan State fans, but for anyone who follows college basketball. The 6-foot-11 freshman with a 7-foot-4 wingspan looked the part of a lottery pick and showcased just about every skill there is to showcase for a big man.

OK, so he didn’t shoot his patented quick-release 3-pointer all, but he showed an even more dominant side on offense. Just take a look at this dribble-drive which resulted in a nifty and-one slam.

Jackson Jr. also blocked six shots and made it look relatively easy. Just check out the one below. By the way, he’s just one away from tying Ken Johnson for most by a Spartan in a single season.

Lastly, he showed the ability to rebound, which he had 11 of, handle the ball and run the floor. He did all three of those things in arguably his best highlight of the night.

There’s little doubt that Jackson Jr. is the most unique player Tom Izzo has ever coached and he’s getting better by the game.

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