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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 – JANUARY 26: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans talks to Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans during a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Breslin Center on January 26, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 26: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans talks to Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans during a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Breslin Center on January 26, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

2. Growing into a leadership role

In his return statement, Nick Ward talked about reaching team expectations in 2018-19 and becoming the best player he could. He spoke like a true leader, stating that he wanted to get in the gym as much as possible in order to improve on his weaknesses.

With Miles Bridges, Tum Tum Nairn, Gavin Schilling and Ben Carter leaving, the leadership roles are up for grabs. All four of those guys acted like captains for the Spartans in 2017-18 and now that Ward is back for his junior campaign, the young guys will be looking up to him and if he can grow into that leadership role and become a captain-like figure, the Spartans will flourish.

That’s actually what Tom Izzo has been waiting for from Ward. He has the skill set and the potential, he just needs to become the leader of the team, along with Cassius Winston and Josh Langford, and Michigan State won’t have to worry about a directionless team.

Ward stepping up as a leader will be good news for all parties as he will mature both on and off the court with the Spartans getting more production from him as well — in more minutes played.

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