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

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 19: Matt McQuaid #20 of the Michigan State Spartans shoots the ball over Devonte Green #11 of 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: Matt McQuaid #20 of the Michigan State Spartans shoots the ball over Devonte Green #11 of the Indiana Hoosiers at Breslin Center on January 19, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 20: Joshua Langford #1 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts after hitting a 3 point shot in the 2nd half during the Illinois Fighting Illini at Breslin Center on February 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 20: Joshua Langford #1 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts after hitting a 3 point shot in the 2nd half during the Illinois Fighting Illini at Breslin Center on February 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

2. Josh Langford needs to get his mojo back

It hurts to say, but it’s now time for everyone to come to the realization that Josh Langford is not the five-star recruit we expected him to be to this point. Granted, he has improved this season compared to last, but has he even showed up in the past seven games? Averaging 27 minutes, 6.7 points, and shooting 33.9 percent from the floor in the last seven games, Langford might as well have been on the bench.

Not only is he lacking offensively, but his defense is starting to slip as well. A kid who got the 2017-18 season off with a great start, has only regressed.

Once addressing the fact that Langford hasn’t been the star he was expected to be so far, it doesn’t render him useless this year. He may not be a star this season, but he can be a great complementary piece to the puzzle.

Just like a summer day at the pool, you have to test the water before you jump in. If Langford knocks down his first couple of shots then by all means, feed the man. But the minute three straight bricks go up, it needs to be shut down immediately. Langford hasn’t earned the right to consistently take 10-11 shots a game (averaging 10.1).