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Michigan State Basketball: 3 positives from blowout win over Rutgers

By Carter Landis

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 05: A.J. Hoggard #11 of the Michigan State Spartans looks to pass the ball in the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Breslin Center on January 05, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 05: A.J. Hoggard #11 of the Michigan State Spartans looks to pass the ball in the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Breslin Center on January 05, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State’s Aaron Henry, right, shoots as Rutgers’ Myles Johnson defends during the first half on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. At right, Rutgers’ Geo Baker looks on.210105 Msu Rutgers 036a
Michigan State’s Aaron Henry, right, shoots as Rutgers’ Myles Johnson defends during the first half on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. At right, Rutgers’ Geo Baker looks on.210105 Msu Rutgers 036a /

1. Aaron Henry’s aggressiveness

Once again, we’re seeing the Aaron Henry we wanted to see all along.

After a slump during the losing streak that saw him be pretty ineffective, Aaron Henry has taken to calling his own number in the last two games, and it has resulted in wins for the Spartans.

He netted a career-high 27 points against Nebraska on the road, doing what he does best: getting to the basket. He continued to do so against Rutgers on Tuesday, following with a 20-point, eight-rebound game against the Scarlet Knights, also blocking four shots.

Tom Izzo has said that this Michigan State team needs an ‘alpha-dog’ in order to form the identity that they need. He was most likely referring to Henry, who has stepped up. Henry is a spectacular athlete with a profound ability to get to his spots and create his offense. His court vision is quite good as well, being able to find his teammates for open shots. He is also one of the best defenders in the Big Ten, if not the best. He’s an excellent on-ball defender and great rim protector.

If Michigan State wants to be in contention for the Big Ten, Henry will need to continue this level of basketball.

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