Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from loss to No. 1 Kansas

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 06: Tom Izzo the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans gives instructions to his team against the Kansas Jayhwaks during the State Farm Champions Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 6, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 20: Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a play during a game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Breslin Center on February 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

4. Kenny Goins made the biggest leap so far

After last season, losing guys like Jaren Jackson Jr., Gavin Schilling and Ben Carter made the outlook for the 2018-19 season in the post gloomy. Nick Ward and Xavier Tillman were returning, but outside of those two, there were no true forwards to fall back on outside of the incoming freshman class — Marcus Bingham Jr. and Thomas Kithier.

The Spartans did bring back senior Kenny Goins, a former walk-on, but the 6-7, 230-pound forward was slightly undersized for the four position, or so we thought.

On Tuesday night, Goins was arguably the most consistent player on the floor, something no one would have imagined heading into the game. He was all over the court, hitting shots from long range, on the inside and grabbing a plethora of boards. He finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds along with a huge block.

If there’s one guy we can pinpoint as the most improved after one game, it has to be Goins.

I’ve been a huge critic of the senior, especially with how much playing time he’s gotten compared to his production, but he proved me wrong against Kansas.

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