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

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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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)
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)

2. Cassius Winston makes first-team All-Big Ten

One of the biggest surprises for Michigan State during the 2017-18 season was Cassius Winston. He became one of the most improved players in recent memory over a one-year span, going from undervalued backup in 2016-17 to star point guard as a sophomore.

Winston took the Big Ten by storm not just because of his passing ability, averaging 6.9 assists per game, but also his shooting prowess.

In fact, Winston made 50 percent of his 3-pointers during his sophomore campaign and that number was actually closer to 56 percent before the Big Ten Tournament. He was one of the best pure shooters in the nation and he’s only going to get better.

If he adds a driving element to his game with a quicker first step, watch out. This kid has the potential to be an All-American type of talent with a little more quickness and defensive ability added to his game.

It’s realistic to believe he’ll be a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2018-19, averaging 15 points and seven assists per game.