Michigan State Basketball: Tom Izzo’s risk pays off at Minnesota

Tom Izzo took a major risk for Michigan State basketball on Sunday afternoon at Minnesota, inserting two freshmen into the starting lineup.

Tom Izzo took a risk on Sunday and no one seems to be talking about just how important, and beneficial, it was for the Spartans in the long run.

A quick swap of Malik Hall and Rocket Watts for Aaron Henry and Marcus Bingham Jr. seemed to pay major dividends as Michigan State responded with stellar play from the starting five and a nice spark off the bench. Izzo admitted these changes to the starting lineup were so Henry and Bingham Jr. could take in the game and watch what’s going on before entering and minutes wouldn’t be affected.

That ability to visualize the game plan in the first few minutes paid off with Henry as he finished with nine points, four rebounds, four steals and two assists off the bench. He made 4-of-8 shots and was a nice scoring threat off the bench — he could afford to cut down his turnovers still.

Henry looked more refreshed and ready when he entered the game and the bench needed a spark like that, especially when Cassius Winston and Gabe Brown get a rest.

We didn’t see much of Bingham Jr. but that’s more of a conditioning and strength issue that he had when trying to guard Daniel Oturu in the post.

Conversely, Hall and Watts played great in place of Henry and Bingham Jr., combining for 17 points.

Watts finished with 10 points and a rebound on 4-of-9 shooting and he looks more confident in his long-range and mid-range game now than he did through the first two months. He isn’t afraid to create his own looks and he’s only getting better. He looked comfortable in the starting lineup.

Hall had seven points and six rebounds and made all three of his shot attempts to go along with an and-one. He has a knack for hitting the glass strong and that’s going to help the Spartans down the stretch.

Getting these young freshmen some confidence before the thick of Big Ten play was huge as well as getting Henry back on track by letting him witness the game before entering it.

Izzo may not get enough credit for this move but it was just another genius move in his Hall of Fame career that may get overlooked.