Predicting Michigan State basketball’s starting 5 vs. Eastern Michigan

Point Guard: Rocket Watts, Sophomore

Tom Izzo has been raving about the practices Foster Loyer has been having since they’ve returned, but Rocket Watts’ talent is too hard to pass up.

Watts will start at the point guard position on Wednesday, a position he seldom played last season. He spent most of his time as the combo guard next to Winston, and ran the offense on the rare occasion that Winston went to the bench.

Watts’ playmaking ability has only been seen in a small sample size, but he has shown capability and comfort being the lead guard. He’s shown flashes of being able to make the right plays and set guys up for easy buckets. The transition from the two-guard to the point guard shouldn’t be a very difficult one for him, and he can play off ball if Izzo decides to play Loyer next to him.

Watts’ biggest strength is his ability to create his own offense. He’s got a tight handle and a killer jab-step that frees him up for open jump shots. He started off last season slow, not scoring in bunches. However, he ended the season looking much more confident and comfortable, so expect that production from him to carry over into this season. Watts could end up being one of the best players in college basketball.