Michigan State Basketball: Player grades from Eastern Michigan blowout

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EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 21: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans looks on in the first half against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Breslin Center on December 21, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Starters

This was the most complete game this starting five has played all season and while there was no true top performer outside of Cassius Winston, the balance was impressive.

Cassius Winston: A

Another game, another Cassius-like performance. He’s starting to look like his old self, seeing the court better and making those breakaway threes that he’s been known for. Cassius finished with 21 points on 7-of-14 shooting to go along with seven assists and two steals with only one turnover. He was one of the most consistent players in the game and made those 21 points look easy as can be.

Aaron Henry: A

You can almost hear the standing ovation from here. Aaron Henry exited the game to a nice cheer on Saturday night after he had arguably his best game of the season. He wasn’t missing and made crisp passes all game long, finishing with 12 points, nine rebounds and six assists to go along with two blocks. If he continues this trend, watch out.

Gabe Brown: B

Gabe Brown got another start on Saturday as Rocket Watts was out and he played well, but he wasn’t a breakout performer, by any means. He had seven points and six rebounds and made a nice long-range jumper and had an impressive alley-oop from Cassius while playing solid defense. He continues to gain confidence but Tom Izzo would like to drive more.

Marcus Bingham Jr.: A-

We only saw Marcus Bingham Jr. for a limited time again as he played 11 minutes — likely due to stamina and the fact that he gets bullied down low. He still looked good with 10 points and six rebounds on 4-of-5 shooting. He had a block as well as three offensive rebounds and he is looking like the power forward of the future as long as he can add some good weight.

Xavier Tillman: B+

Once again, I’ve come away impressed with Xavier Tillman who has taken all that negative talk about his play in the post from the first few weeks and has turned it into fuel. While he was far from dominant down low, he was steady all game with 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Tillman looks more comfortable lately as he’s not trying to force too much.

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