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Michigan State Basketball: Final player grades for 2018-19 season

By Connor Muldowney

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Kenny Goins #25, Xavier Tillman #23 and Aaron Henry #11 of the Michigan State Spartans huddle up prior to the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Kenny Goins #25, Xavier Tillman #23 and Aaron Henry #11 of the Michigan State Spartans huddle up prior to the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Aaron Henry #11 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a basket against the LSU Tigers during the first half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Aaron Henry #11 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a basket against the LSU Tigers during the first half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

AARON HENRY. B. . G/F. Freshman

I was one of the harshest critics of Aaron Henry this season and it’s because I expected a lot out of the freshman. He has all the talent in the world, but sometimes he would play out of control for no reason and it would limit his production.

Often times early on in the year, and even partially through Big Ten play, he would look to create his own shots and dribble into traffic with no plan, losing the ball. He only averaged 1.3 turnovers per game, but there were some instances where he was responsible for 3-4 and he played 10-15 minutes — not a great ratio.

Henry definitely improved when it mattered most and by the end of the season into the NCAA Tournament, he proved that he has a future that’s likely based in the NBA.

Athleticism, an elite slashing ability, lockdown defense and improved jumper all made him that much more difficult to game plan for and he became a fan favorite. He finished the season as a starter and averaged 6.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists and shot 50 percent from the floor and 39 percent from beyond the arc.

This kid is going to be fun to watch next season.

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