Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions for 2022 NCAA Tournament

3 of 5

Mar 11, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Marcus Bingham Jr. (30) celebrates a made basket in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Marcus Bingham averages a double-double

Whether the Spartans play one game, three games, or six games, Marcus Bingham Jr. is going to have himself quite the tournament. He’s going to play his best basketball of the season.

Actually, Bingham is currently in his best stretch of games since before he caught COVID in December, averaging 10.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks over the past five games. He also has two double-doubles in that stretch and Michigan State is 5-0 when he has a double-double this season. He’s going to average that in the NCAA Tournament.

Bingham is starting to realize that he can be dominant on the floor and he’s stretching it, hitting six 3-pointers over the past five games. When he realizes his potential, he can be dangerous.

Tom Izzo is starting to trust his lanky big man more and with Julius Marble also playing better in the post, that takes the pressure off of Bingham. That’s going to lead to an excellent NCAA Tournament showing for the senior center from Grand Rapids.

Home/Spartans Basketball