Michigan State Basketball: 3 post-game thoughts from EMU win

2. Aaron Henry’s playmaking was a plus

Nope, not Loyer.

Nope, not Rocket.

The leading assist man for the Spartans wasn’t a point guard, but instead, it was junior forward Aaron Henry.

Donning a new hairstyle and a new number, Henry was the guy setting up players for buckets. While only scoring six points on three shots, he grabbed four rebounds and dished out a team-high seven assists.

Henry’s playmaking has always been underrated, but he never had the responsibility of being the main facilitator. This is a role he could take on now, having the most experience the last few years in the starting lineup. Henry is seemingly a better passer than Loyer, so this could be advantageous to Tom Izzo.

We know how good Aaron Henry is at scoring the basketball. He’s got a great first step that allows him to blow by defenders and get to the basket. He’s a decent shooter. He’s the best defensive player on the floor.

Being a guy who needs NBA scouts to pay attention to him, adding “good ball handler and playmaker” to his repertoire is exactly what he needs to be viewed as a guy who can survive in the league. Henry’s ability to pass the ball adds a new dynamic to Izzo’s offense.