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Michigan State Basketball: 10 bold predictions for 2018-19 season

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 31: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans talks to Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans during a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Breslin Center on January 31, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 31: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans talks to Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans during a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Breslin Center on January 31, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – MARCH 18: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts during the first half against the Syracuse Orange in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – MARCH 18: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts during the first half against the Syracuse Orange in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

9. MSU will have multiple Big Ten Freshman of the Year candidates

When you look at Michigan State’s incoming freshman class, you can’t help but think that there are a couple of guys who could contribute right away and potentially contend for some postseason hardware.

That’ll be the case as Marcus Bingham Jr. sees his redshirt burned, Aaron Henry exceeds expectations and Foster Loyer watches his minutes increase as the backup point guard. Gabe Brown, too, could have a role in rotation, but I believe Thomas Kithier will redshirt — he reminds me a lot of Matt Costello.

Though there are no blue-chippers in this year’s class — still, they’re all four-stars — the Spartans will have 2-3 Big Ten Freshman of the Year contenders by the end of the season.

Henry will be the top option, contributing to both sides of the ball with his college-ready frame. He’ll average close to 8-10 points per game and truly become a star for the Spartans. Bingham Jr. will add some weight as the season progresses and continue to blossom into a solid young player. Loyer will also grow some and improve on defense while becoming a threat on offense.

I believe Indiana’s Romeo Langford wins the award, but these three guys will be in the conversation until the season’s end.

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