Michigan State Basketball: 5 biggest concerns entering 2018 NCAA Tournament

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 03: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines during semifinals of the Big 10 Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 3, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

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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) /

4. Nick Ward’s lack of minutes

What’s going on with Nick Ward and his lack of adequate playing time? It’s fairly obvious at this point that Ward is on a relatively short leash with Tom Izzo. Whether it’s getting too emotional, picking up silly fouls or missing assignments on defense, he gets yanked from the game faster thank you can say “pass out of double-teams, Nick.”

In fact, Ward hasn’t played more than 20 minutes since Feb. 17 against Northwestern and has scored over 10 points just once in the past four contests.

Moreover, eight of the last nine games have resulted in sub-20 minute outings for Ward. That’s both concerning and confusing. What could he possibly be doing wrong that limits him to under 20 minutes per game despite being one of the most efficient players in the country?

Whatever it is needs to be put to the side by Izzo during the NCAA Tournament because his unwillingness to let Ward make mistakes could cost this team a Final Four run. He needs to be playing 20-25 minutes per game if the Spartans want to make some noise.

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