Michigan State Basketball: Marcus Bingham Jr. on pace for blocks record

Marcus Bingham Jr. is off to a quick start this season and he’s on pace to break the all-time Michigan State basketball blocks record.

Seven games into his senior season, Marcus Bingham is making waves on the defensive end of the floor for Michigan State basketball.

After struggling to stay on the floor for longer than 10-15 minutes in his first three seasons, Bingham is averaging around 23 minutes per game this year and the results have been fantastic. He looks like a completely different player and his defense has been top-notch.

Bingham has actually been so good that I truly believe he’ll be a candidate for Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, which would make him the second Spartan in three years to win the award.

Teams have had a nightmare of a time trying to score in the post when Bingham is on the floor and his length causes problems when trying to pass into the post as well. He may not be the thickest of bigs, but he more than makes up for that with his length.

That has led to him blocking 22 shots this season, totaling now 113 for his Spartan career. His 113 blocks are good for eighth all-time at Michigan State, passing Jaren Jackson Jr., Delvon Roe, and Kenny Goins. It looks like he’s on pace to break some blocks records this year. He may not touch Jackson Jr.’s record of 106 in a single season, but he’s on pace to shatter Xavier Tillman’s all-time mark of 153.

Let’s say he maintains his 3.1 blocks per game average and Michigan State plays 30 games this year, he will approach 180 for his career, smashing Tillman’s record.

Bingham has been a bright spot for Michigan State basketball

Michigan State is already exceeding expectations this season and one of the reasons for that is the emergence of Bingham as a leader both on and off the court.

The light has turned on in Bingham’s head and he’s realizing his potential. He knows he has to apply himself constantly and it truly looks like he’s loving the game again instead of just playing because he’s good at it.

Through seven games, he’s averaging 10.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks and it looks like he’s just getting started. This could be a huge year for Bingham and he looks like a future pro.