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Michigan State Basketball: 10 bold predictions for 2019-20 season

By Connor Muldowney

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans is defended by Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half in 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans is defended by Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half in 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 06: Brandone Francis #1 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders drives to the basket against Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans in the second half during the 2019 NCAA Final Four semifinal at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 6, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 06: Brandone Francis #1 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders drives to the basket against Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans in the second half during the 2019 NCAA Final Four semifinal at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 6, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

4. Top-five finishes for both offense, defense

We already touched on Michigan State having one of the best, and most balanced, scoring offenses in the nation this season and I think it’ll continue through conference play, leading to a top-five finish in scoring and efficiency by the end of the year.

The Spartans averaged 79.2 points per game last season which was good for one of the 40 best marks on the season, but they’ll break 80 points per game this season and be closer to 83-84. Michigan State is going to have no problem putting up points and when you have five, potentially six, players hitting double-digits per game in the scoring column, all you need is that deep bench to put up 15-20 points per game.

Defensively, Michigan State ranked No. 33 in the country last season, allowing 65 points per game, but I’d expect the Spartans to cut that number down by four or maybe even five.

I do believe the Spartans’ defense is going to improve from last season with guys like Rocket Watts and Malik Hall adding toughness and athleticism to crucial positions and Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman adding strength and quickness.

Michigan State will finish top-five nationally in both scoring offense and defense.

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