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Michigan State Basketball: 3 takeaways from monster upset of No. 4 Ohio State

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 25: A.J. Hoggard #11 and Rocket Watts #2 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates 71 - 67 win against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Breslin Center on February 25, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 25: A.J. Hoggard #11 and Rocket Watts #2 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates 71 - 67 win against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Breslin Center on February 25, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State’s Aaron Henry goes for a layup against Ohio State during the second half on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.210225 Msu Osu 175a
Michigan State’s Aaron Henry goes for a layup against Ohio State during the second half on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.210225 Msu Osu 175a /

2. Aaron Henry has become that leader MSU has needed

Three months into the season, Michigan State seemed to be lacking one thing above all else which had led to their downfall: leadership.

Heads hanging, poor body language, no one stepping up. Michigan State was lost.

Cassius Winston wasn’t running out of the tunnel nor was Xavier Tillman. This team lost its biggest leaders from last season and no one was stepping up to fill that massive void.

And then something changed on Saturday against Indiana. Aaron Henry found his voice. He put the team on his back, leading by example and then speaking like a true leader in the locker room after the game. He told reporters that even though he played 40 minutes, he can’t get tired because he doesn’t have time to. That’s the type of quote a leader gives.

And then there are quotes like this one:

He’s been an outspoken leader off the court much like he has been on it. The team is feeding off that leadership and it’s clear they’re following him into battle each game.

For the first time all season, it feels like Michigan State’s leadership has found its voice, and that starts with Henry.

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