Michigan State Basketball: Cassius Winston displays incredible strength in tragedy

Cassius Winston lost his younger brother, Zachary, on Sunday morning and he plans on dressing for Michigan State basketball’s home opener.

Was there ever a doubt regarding how strong Cassius Winston was? If there was, those those doubts have been squashed in one fell swoop.

The senior point guard learned he lost his younger brother on Sunday morning after he was hit by a train. No one wants to hear this kind of news, especially on the day of the Spartans’ home opener, but Winston was the recipient of the horrible news as Zachary, who also plays basketball for Albion, was struck by an Amtrak train.

When the news broke, everyone expected the veteran point guard to take time off to be with his family, but that’s not the case.

Winston is dressed for Sunday night’s home opener against Binghamton and is expected to play. He does have the option, however, to take himself out of the game at any point when he feels like he can’t go on.

His other brother Khy, who is a freshman on the Albion basketball team and made a 3-pointer over Cassius in the exhibition game a week ago, joined him courtside for warmups as the two shared a truly heartbreaking moment on the bench.

Tom Izzo issued a statement earlier in the day voicing his support for the Winstons and his broken-heartedness.

Cassius has heart. No one that I know would have suited up for this game or would have even remained with the team during this time, but this is his second family. The Detroit-native knew that his brother would have wanted him to play no matter what and his family probably reiterated that sentiment.

The strength that this kid is showing to even be at the Breslin Center on Sunday night is incredible. He’s one of the best competitors in college basketball and he’s ready to fight on during arguably the toughest day of his life.

There will never again be anyone doubting Cassius’ strength, because it can move mountains.