Michigan State Baskeball: 5 fixes to make before 2018 NCAA Tournament

3 of 6

EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 4: Nick Ward #44 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) /

4. Tom Izzo, Nick Ward need to get on the same page

Tom Izzo and Nick Ward have a personal characteristic that is truly identical to one another. Both are as stubborn as heck. Nick Ward is a dominating force in the paint, a post presence that is second to very few men in the nation. But, get under this kid’s skin, and oh man will you throw him off of his game.

Piggybacking off of that, Ward also has a mindset of being the best. Now, this isn’t always a bad thing but in this case, it’s terrible. Ward on defense is becoming more and more of a liability, and adding to the problem, he doesn’t seem to be embracing Izzo’s coaching very well.

Next problem, Izzo need not be so stuck to his ways. The minute Wards gets upset, or shows some emotion, he’s on the bench. The second Ward screws up a defensive assignment, he’s on the bench and more upset than he was before.

It’s easy to bail Izzo out by saying Ward needs to sharpen his attitude, but it’s a two-way street and Izzo needs to let Nick express himself and play with an edge.

Nick Ward played 10 minutes on Saturday. Michigan State won’t win many big games with that happening.

Home/Spartans Basketball