Michigan State Basketball: It’s time to see more Julius Marble
Although most of his numbers come from garbage time scoring and rebounding, Michigan State basketball needs to see more of Julius Marble.
When Julius Marble committed to Michigan State, no one knew just how valuable he would one day become.
That day may not yet be upon us, but with the departure of Nick Ward, there’s been something missing in the post and he’s the type of player who could excel with his back to the basket.
After another solid game in the final minutes against Eastern Michigan with nine points and five rebounds in nine minutes, it’s clear that he could be just what the team needs down low.
Sure, the Spartans have Xavier Tillman, but he does more stretching the floor and making crisp passes out of the post than scoring with his back to the basket. He rarely backs down his defender and finishes around the rim or with a baby hook. Marcus Bingham Jr. has stepped up, but he’s just not strong enough yet to bang in the paint. Thomas Kithier is a nice piece off the bench but he doesn’t seem to be the strongest defensively yet. And Malik Hall, too, struggles on defense and that will improve with time.
But why not give Marble a shot?
Although he puts up big numbers in garbage time, he has the frame to dominate down low and has a smooth release around the bucket. He goes up strong every time he touches the ball and makes the most of his minutes.
In fact, he’s averaging just 3.0 points and 1.7 rebounds in 6.0 minutes per game, so if he played 10-15 minutes, he could be around 6-7 points and 4-5 rebounds per game. That’s not too bad coming off the bench, especially when you have the type of efficiency Marble has (shooting 85 percent) and the defensive potential.
Obviously we don’t see practices and how well he does there, but whatever he’s been doing is working and the Eastern game may have earned him more playing time.
If that’s the case, I think you’ll see Michigan State’s post scoring increase because, well, that’s exactly what this team needs. The Spartans aren’t going to shoot 15-for-30 from 3-point range every game and when they struggle, they’ll need a Marble-type player to aid them in the paint.
Next. 3 takeaways from Eastern Michigan blowout. dark
We’ve only seen Marble scratch the surface, but I think it’s time he gets some extra playing time. He could be an X-factor for this team down the stretch.