Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions for 2019 Big Ten Tournament

EAST LANSING, MI - MARCH 09: Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts after making a three pointer during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Breslin Center on March 9, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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MADISON, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 12: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans dribbles the ball while being guarded by Charles Thomas IV #15 of the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half at the Kohl Center on February 12, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

3. Nick Ward averages 16 points, 10 rebounds in return weekend

It’s going to be nice to see Nick Ward back on the court for Michigan State this weekend. He’s been out of commission for a few weeks and the last time he did play was against Ohio State and — guess what? — he’ll be back facing the Buckeyes in his return game on Friday.

The Spartans will benefit greatly from Ward back on the court, despite what all the naysayers and doubters are saying — people just assuming he’ll ruin the flow.

Ward will come back with a vengeance, averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds per game in the Big Ten Tournament, but it remains to be seen how many games the Spartans will actually play. We’ll see a more refined post game from Ward and he’s learned from his time on the bench with an injury what works and what could use some re-tooling.

The back-to-the-basket game will always been important and his strength, but he’s going to add some mid-range jumpers and he’ll put the ball on the floor more and be more aggressive on the glass.

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