Spartan Avenue
Fansided

Michigan State basketball’s 2018-19 potential relies on Nick Ward’s decision

By Ian Olsen

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 4: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Breslin Center on January 4, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 4: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Breslin Center on January 4, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

While much of Michigan State’s roster is in place for the 2018-19 season, the Spartans are awaiting the NBA draft decision of Nick Ward.

The success of next season’s Michigan State basketball team depends largely on Nick Ward’s upcoming decision whether to return to East Lansing or become a professional.

Must Read: Brian Lewerke has tools to become legitimate Heisman contender

The 2018-2019 squad will have its ballhandling and passing in Cassius Winston and will have its shooting wingmen in Joshua Langford and Matt McQuaid. Add the dominant Ward down low and the team has a veteran core resembling a vintage Spartan lineup.

Ward contributes stupefying productivity. Take this season’s averages and give him 30 minutes, and he would’ve had the highest scoring season of any player during Izzo’s tenure and would’ve outrebounded Draymond Green in Day Day’s legendary senior season.

Verbiage about “conditioning” and “foul trouble” are inflated at best.

The hefty Derrick Nix approached 30 minutes per game his senior season. As did Adreian Payne, who had his hands on his knees at most dead balls. Ward averaged 2.3 fouls and never fouled out in all 35 games.

Without Ward, the team is uncertain and inexperienced down low. Returning post players would comprise of sophomore Xavier Tillman and 6-foot-6 Kenny Goins. The team welcomes two freshmen big men with potential, Marcus Bingham and Thomas Kithier, but neither should be heavily relied upon. One injury would result in a dangerously thin frontcourt.

Xavier Tillman improved throughout his freshman season. Izzo predicts, “He will be great.” And he’s been compared to Draymond Green. But Green took time to develop to reach his junior-season efficiency and senior-season stardom. In his sophomore season, Green was a valuable sixth man who contributed when the veteran big men sat, a role Tillman can play as a sophomore if Ward returns.

As the fourth most heralded of a four-player recruiting class in 2016, Ward said one of his goals was to win Big Ten Player of the Year. If he comes back and stay on the court, he has a legitimate chance in doing so.

Next: Michigan State's top 2019 NFL Draft prospects

Ward will participate in the NBA combine being held May 16 through May 20. He has until June 1 to withdraw his name from the draft, and Michigan State’s potential relies heavily on his decision.

Home/Spartans Basketball