Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions for December 2018

EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 20: Tom Izzo head coach of the Michigan State Spartans mens basketball team looks on during a football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium on October 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 06: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans shoots the ball against the Kansas Jayhawks during the State Farm Champions Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 6, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2. Nick Ward averages 20 points, makes 60 percent of his shots

If his game against Iowa was any indication, Nick Ward is in for a big month of December, heading back into Big Ten play in January.

The junior big man exploded for 26 points and nine rebounds against the Hawkeyes, dominating anyone they ran out there to guard him. He was aggressive, got deep into the paint before getting passed to and went up strong, drawing a number of fouls (11 free throw attempts) in the process.

If you think teams like Florida, Green Bay, Oakland and Northern Illinois are going to have anyone better to guard Ward, you’re sadly mistaken. Sure, there will be some guys with the size to match up, but no one quite as dominant as Ward.

His solid play will continue throughout December as he’ll finish with a 20 points per game average, making 60 percent of his shots.

Don’t believe me? He went a perfect 10-for-10 from the field against Iowa.

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