Michigan State Basketball: What starting 5 with Emoni Bates could look like

This is a massive assumption, but let’s just go with the fact that one of Rocket Watts or Aaron Henry returns and I’m going with the former because the latter has already been testing NBA waters.

There’s a good chance, though, that Rocket will be hoping to test the NBA waters next cycle, though. If he does this and doesn’t get a first-round grade after his first year as Michigan State’s starting point guard (unless Karim Mane commits), he could be back for his junior year to show he can work on his game to get to that next level.

Watts is the kind of player who excels in Tom Izzo’s system and we’re going to see him flourish as a sophomore, but I do believe he’ll come back for his junior year.

If he does come back, he’ll step up at the starting point guard spot again and he could be a serious Big Ten Player of the Year candidate. Heck, he could be a national player of the year candidate as well.

After averaging 9.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists as a freshman while playing lockdown defense, it’s clear he has big things in store.