Michigan State basketball: 3 takeaways from gritty road win at Minnesota

2. Aaron Henry responded to Tom Izzo’s challenge

You can imagine the shock Aaron Henry felt when he was told he wouldn’t be starting on Sunday against the Gophers, but it’s always interesting to see how these guys respond.

Luckily, Henry proved that he’s a team player, took the bench role and came in and played well despite turning the ball over four times. He needs to cut those down, but he played much better, especially on the defensive end with four steals. He had two assists and four rebounds to go along with nine points, shooting 4-for-8 from the floor.

Is this his new full-time role? Potentially, but Izzo wanted him to come off the bench so he could take the first few minutes of the game in visually. That seemed to help as he didn’t think too much when he game in and the game came to him.

Henry may return to the starting lineup by the next game, but a sixth man role might be good for him and the Spartans because his replacement, Rocket Watts, played well in the starting role.

Whatever Izzo said to Henry before the game seemed to work.