Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from slim victory over Wisconsin

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EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 31: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans handles the ball during a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the second half at Breslin Center on January 31, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

1. Cassius Winston has become one of nation’s premier point guards

Has there been a player who has improved this much from his freshman to sophomore year under Tom Izzo? Cassius Winston has been a star this season and continues to improve as the year progresses.

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The sophomore point guard had one of his best games of the season on Sunday afternoon, hitting 7-of-11 shots from the field, including 6-for-6 from the 3-point line. He finished with 20 points to go along with six rebounds and five assists. He’s slowly maturing into one of the best point guard in college basketball.

Remember when doubters were calling Winston the “weak link” because of his unpolished defense and lack of elite athleticism? They look silly right about now. Just because he’s not the fastest player on the court nor can he jump out of the gym, doesn’t mean he’s not a nightmare for opposing defenses.

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Winston is now No. 1 in the nation in 3-point shooting, making 57 percent of the deep balls he puts up, and he averages 6.9 assists per game. This kid is improving rapidly and he’s going to be something special for the next two years.

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