Michigan State Basketball: Light has finally turned on for Marcus Bingham Jr.

When Marcus Bingham Jr. committed to Michigan State basketball four years ago, it was clear that he had some serious potential. He was even put on a list made by ESPN of potential one-and-done Big Ten players. He was that talented.

But it was clear that he was raw early on and a project for Tom Izzo.

As a freshman, he played in 24 games, burning his redshirt, averaging just 3.5 minutes per game with 1.0 points and 1.1 rebounds. Izzo was considering redshirting him and probably should have, but he still got some valuable experience.

In year two, Bingham Jr. averaged 11.1 minutes and put up 3.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. He took a nice step forward and everyone just assumed he was going to break out as a junior with Xavier Tillman moving on. Unfortunately, his numbers plateaued as he averaged 11.5 minutes with 3.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game.

Everyone was waiting for that light to click in his head and for him to realize his immense potential. He showed some flashes but he was just never consistent enough.

And now that he’s Michigan State’s clear go-to big man, something has finally clicked with him.

Michigan State basketball benefitting from reborn Bingham

Bingham is essentially a new player this season.

Through seven games, he’s averaging over 23 minutes per game which has translated to 10.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game. He’s on pace to become Michigan State’s all-time blocks leader as long as he stays healthy because he’s just 40 away from Tillman’s spot atop the list with 153. Currently, Bingham has 113.

His defense in the post has led the Spartans to a 5-2 start, going from unranked to No. 22 in the country and hanging with the likes of Baylor and Kansas before self-inflicted turnovers led to losses. He has held his own against some big dudes.

Bingham is playing like the guy everyone expected when he committed four years ago and I think he’s just getting started. If he maintains this momentum and confidence, he’s going to be an All-Big Ten player by the end of the season.

Will he return for a fifth year? That would only benefit him, but right now, he’s starting to look like a pro.