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Michigan State Basketball: 5 reasons Nick Ward return makes Spartans Big Ten favorites

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 26: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates during a game against the Wisconsin Badgers in the second half at the Breslin Center on February 26, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 26: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates during a game against the Wisconsin Badgers in the second half at the Breslin Center on February 26, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 31: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans dunks the ball against the Savannah State Tigers at Breslin Center on December 31, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 31: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans dunks the ball against the Savannah State Tigers at Breslin Center on December 31, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

3. Unmatched efficiency

Just about everyone and their brother knows that Nick Ward is one of the most efficient players in the nation. He averaged just 18.9 minutes per game as a sophomore, which was surprisingly low for an All-Big Ten caliber player, and still managed to average 12.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks while shooting a sparkling 65 percent from the floor.

Not many players in college basketball can establish impressive per-40 numbers like Ward has. In fact, his per-40 average was 26.3 points, 15 rebounds and 2.8 blocks, so if he’s able to see the court for 20-25 minutes per game in 2018-19, he’ll be relatively dominant.

Teams had a tough time slowing him down in the post with his plethora of moves and sneaky-fast feet. He can spin on a dime and his touch around the rim was soft. As long as he remains out of the doghouse, he could be a borderline All-American down low.

Michigan State will go as far as Ward takes it in 2018-19 and his efficiency could carry a huge load.

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