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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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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) /

5. Nick Ward averages a double-double

When Nick Ward made the decision to return to Michigan State for his junior season and pass up the opportunity to enter the NBA draft with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Miles Bridges, he did so with the intent of improving his overall game and stock. He also knew he’d become the go-to scorer in the post and arguably the most important player for the Spartans in 2018-19.

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The big man has slimmed down and Tom Izzo has praised his work ethic in the offseason and the two have repaired their relationship which took a hit in the 2017-18 season.

Everything for Ward seems to be trending in the right direction and that’ll lead to a huge season for the Spartans’ star junior. He’ll finish the season with a double-double average, scoring about 15 points and averaging 11 rebounds per game.

As if that isn’t enough, he’s going to improve on his defensive footwork. We all know he can score on the offensive end with slick footwork, but he must show improvement in his defensive quickness and now that he’s in better shape, it seems probable.

Ward will finish as a first-team All-Big Ten selection thanks to the huge season and he’ll declare for the NBA draft with an agent following the NCAA Tournament.

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