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Michigan State Basketball: Complete preview for 2018-19 season

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 30: Joshua Langford #1 and Xavier Tilman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans helps Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans off the floor during the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Breslin Center on November 30, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 30: Joshua Langford #1 and Xavier Tilman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans helps Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans off the floor during the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Breslin Center on November 30, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 31: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans handles the ball during a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the second half at Breslin Center on January 31, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 31: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans handles the ball during a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the second half at Breslin Center on January 31, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Backcourt

Like the frontcourt, Michigan State’s backcourt has plenty of talent returning and even some incoming freshmen to pad the depth.

Cassius Winston is an All-Big Ten player at point guard, but if there’s one knock on him, it’s his defense as well as lack of elite athleticism. He may have worked hard to condition himself this offseason as well as improved his footwork on the defensive end, but the Spartans will need him to do a complete 180 on that side of the ball. Offensively, he’s a menace, averaging 12.6 points and 6.9 assists per game while shooting 50 percent from the field and 3-point line.

Voted one of two captains, Josh Langford is primed for a monster season. Many are wondering when he will reach his sky-high potential and that could finally happen this year. The 6-5, 210-pound guard averaged 11.7 points per game and shot only 43 percent from the field last season, but he did hit 40 percent from 3-point range. He’ll be a key contributor on both ends.

Matt McQuaid is the other returning guard that could give the Spartans a nice boost. He may find himself in the starting lineup this season along with Winston and Langford. Playing mostly the two, McQuaid has the ability to handle the ball, in spurts. He was pegged as a sharpshooter out of high school, but needs to show more consistency in that regard. He averaged 6.0 points and shot 39 percent from deep.

Freshman Aaron Henry could find himself playing mostly on the wing with a Big Ten-ready body and a wealth of talent. He could be the most productive player in the Spartans’ 2018 class. Fellow first-year player Foster Loyer will back Winston up at point guard and the reigning Mr. Basketball in Michigan will have a big role despite his slight frame.

The Spartan backcourt should have plenty of talent, but staying healthy is key because depth is not overwhelming.

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