Michigan State Basketball: 5 biggest concerns entering 2018 NCAA Tournament

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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) /

1. Toughness and will to win

The Spartans’ toughness has been an issue, both mentally and physically. While the team gets a pass for dealing with a plethora of off-court distractions over the past couple of months with the mental aspect, the physical toughness still seems to be an issue.

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This is surprising given that everyone on the team seems to play with a chip on their shoulders and they talk about out-toughing teams, but it hasn’t been that way consistently since non-conference action.

Looking at the team now versus the end of December, that’s one of the major differences. In non-conference action, the Spartans blew the doors off teams and didn’t shot any mercy no matter the opponent. It wasn’t just cupcakes either, it was teams like North Carolina and Notre Dame, too.

The toughness and will to win has seemed to dwindle in recent weeks. Maybe the time away from the media spotlight will do these guys some good and hitting the reset button will get the Spartans back to elite form.

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These guys need to find that fire and burning passion that they had earlier in the season.

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