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Michigan State Basketball: 5 realistic expectations for 2018-19 season

By Connor Muldowney

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)
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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Michigan State basketball ended its 2017-18 season on a low note, but here are some realistic expectations for the 2018-19 campaign.

Although the 2017-18 season didn’t quite end the way Michigan State expected, the Spartans return plenty to its 2018-19 roster which could, in turn, lead to a decent run in the NCAA Tournament.

Michigan State has lost Jaren Jackson Jr. and Miles Bridges to the NBA draft for sure while Nick Ward has declared but not yet hired an agent. Albeit changes are coming, the Spartans are bringing in a strong five-player recruiting class and returning some All-Big Ten caliber talent.

With that in mind, what can we realistically expect from Michigan State during the 2018-19 season?

5. Marcus Bingham Jr. cracks starting lineup

If you’re looking for the next potential Big Ten Freshman of the Year, look no further than Michigan State’s Marcus Bingham Jr.

The Grand Rapids (Mich.) Catholic Central star proved to be one of the best players in the country during his senior year and led his team to the state title game despite being overlooked. He’s listed as the No. 57 prospect in the class and No. 1 in the state of Michigan, according to 247Sports.

With Jaren Jackson Jr. departing, the 6-foot-10, 195-pound Bingham Jr. could fill that void at the four and become an inside-out threat like his predecessor and reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

Since he has the tools to be one of the more athletic bigs in the conference and a threat to shoot and play down low, Bingham Jr. could find himself starting for Tom Izzo in 2018-19.

If there’s one freshman who could crack that starting rotation, it’ll be Bingham Jr.

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