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How likely are Michigan State basketball’s NBA prospects to declare?

By Connor Muldowney

Josh Langford, Michigan State basketball (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Josh Langford, Michigan State basketball (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 25: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a call in the first half of the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first half of the game at the Breslin Center on February 25, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 25: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a call in the first half of the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first half of the game at the Breslin Center on February 25, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

When Michigan State’s season was cut short, everyone looked to Cassius Winston as a guy who deserved a better sendoff. And then the focus was turned to Xavier Tillman.

Why? Because he’s one of the best juniors in the country and a third-team All-American selection by The Athletic. He was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and one of the most improved players in college basketball, averaging 13.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 3.0 assists per game. He was a do-everything player for the Spartans.

Tillman’s ability to lock down opposing big men as an undersized center has to help his draft stock, but the fact that he doesn’t have a consistent jumper or a plethora of post moves may just keep him at Michigan State for one final season.

Michigan State fans are hoping for one final season from Tillman because he, too, will go down as one of the best players in Spartan history.

dark. Next. Projected MSU basketball starting lineup for 2020-21

I could see Tillman returning for his senior year because his degree is important to him and he loves the program. He knows the value of a degree for life after basketball, but if he’s projected as a late-first rounder, he could go. I’m not sure that uncertainty is enough for him.

Chances of returning: 55 percent

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