Michigan State Basketball: Predicting 2018-19 starting lineup

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 18: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans passes the ball during the second half against the Syracuse Orange in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MI – MARCH 16: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts during the first half against the Bucknell Bison in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Shocked? Obviously no one in their right mind would be surprised to see Cassius Winston in the starting lineup next season unless, of course, he were to make the jump to the NBA. He knows he’s not ready for that next step and will require four years in the green and white to improve his quickness, decision-making, defense and strength.

Still, he’s going to be a valuable member of the starting lineup and potentially the Spartans’ next captain. He is a great leader both on and off the court and brings some offensive flare to the point guard position.

Tom Izzo has some work to do with him over the summer to get him ready to become an All-Big Ten first-teamer in 2018-19, but that’s definitely possible. Point guards who shoot over 50 percent from 3-point range don’t exactly grow on trees.

Winston will also need to cut down his turnovers, but he got better as the year progressed — although he must avoid that unnecessary “home run play” as he called it. Michigan State will be strong at the point guard spot even with Tum Tum Nairn gone.

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