Michigan State Basketball: 5 reasons Nick Ward should return for junior year

4. Ward needs to develop a jumper

This almost goes without saying, but one of Nick Ward’s biggest weaknesses is his lack of a mid-range jumper. His back-to-the-basket game is on point, but he doesn’t have much of an effect outside of five feet.

Heading into the draft process, that’s likely one thing he will be consciously working on as he attempts to improve his stock. Scouts will likely tell him that he needs to develop a mid-range game, especially at his height.

If he can add a mid-range jumper to his arsenal during his junior season, he could be a potential first-round pick. He has the post moves and aggressiveness but without the ability to keep defenders guessing, Ward will be told to work on that for one or two more seasons in East Lansing.

Ward did attempt one 3-pointer during his first two seasons at Michigan State and it was a make, but his shots from outside 5-10 feet could probably be counted on one hand.