When Jordan Scott took over for Divine Ugochukwu as Michigan State’s starting shooting guard, everyone kind of assumed it would be a short-term solution.
Scott had earned the starting job, but there was some uncertainty surrounding how he might play in his new role. Going from a role player to a starter is a big promotion, especially for a young player. So far, the freshman has stepped up to the plate and hasn’t wavered under pressure.
Since joining the starting lineup, Scott is averaging 11.8 points and 3.4 rebounds and he’s shooting 51.3% from the floor and 52.4% from deep. He’s been playing some confident basketball, and that showed on Sunday afternoon with not only a big 3-pointer, but also some mid-range jumpers that didn’t even touch the rim. His pump fake got several Buckeye defenders to leave their feet.
In this stretch, Scott has also been playing some really good defense. He shut down Illinois star Keaton Wagler in a huge home win and he’s one of the better defenders on the team. There’s a reason Tom Izzo likens Scott to Max Christie.
This Spartan freshman will be sticking around for more than one season, barring some unforeseen transfer since he’s not on any draft boards right now.
Jordan Scott is putting future SG doubts to rest
There have been doubts surrounding the shooting guard position this season with no one consistently stepping up between Kur Teng, Trey Fort, and Divine Ugochukwu. Little did we know that the potential long-term answer at the position was a freshman small forward.
Scott came to Michigan State looking like more of a small forward or wing, but he’s transition to this shooting guard role with ease. There have been no major hiccups.
Everyone was in the same “let’s wait until Jasiah Jervis gets here” boat. Scott has come in and put all of those doubts to rest, and having Ugochukwu as a backup point guard and second or third option at shooting guard next season will do wonders for this team‘s depth. Michigan State may legitimately have the deepest roster in the Big Ten next year.
Scott looks like he’s going to be the long-term starting shooting guard, and having Jervis back him up is the perfect 1-2 punch. Scott can play at a high level on both ends and Jervis is a scorer.
The shooting guard doubts are withering away.