College Basketball
College Hoops Preview: #10 Michigan State vs. #1 Kansas
- Matchup: #10 Michigan State Spartans (0-0, 0-0) vs. #1 Kansas Jayhawks (0-0, 0-0)
- Date: Nov. 6, 2018
- Time: 7 p.m. (est)
- Network: ESPN
- Location: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Venue: Bankers Life Fieldhouse
- Seating Capacity: 46,298
The first game of a highly anticipated doubleheader features two teams within the nations top 10, including the number one team. Tom Izzo’s Michigan State Spartans head to Indianapolis to take on Bill Self’s Kansas Jayhawks in a huge early season matchup. The expectations for both teams are through the roof this season, with Kansas ranked as the preseason top dog for the third time in Self’s tenure with the Jayhawks.
Michigan State actually exceeded expectations last year, but the departure of two key players in Jaren Jackson, Jr. and Miles Bridges leaves a few questions for the Spartans. Kansas enters the season with some unknown variables as well, as both of these powerhouses will be looking for key contributors to step up this season.
The Winston Show
For Michigan State, point guard Cassius Winston will be asked to carry most of the workload this season. It’s not unfamiliar territory, however, as Winston is used to carrying a team for the duration of college basketball’s ruthless schedule. Winston played and started in all 35 of Michigan State’s games last season, producing well from the point guard position.
Cassius was the main catalyst for the Spartans ranking as the nation’s top team in assists per game (19.1), leading the Big Ten in total assists. Winston also led the conference in 3-point shooting, knocking down about 50% of his shots beyond the arc. His name was also considered for the Bob Cousy Award, given to the best point guard in college basketball.
Despite the production Winston brings, he was by no means a one-man show for Michigan State last season. The Spartans ranked seventh nationally in rebounds per game (41.1) along with finishing 18th in points allowed per game (64.9). Most of the success on defense and on the glass came from Jackson, Jr., and Bridges who are both gone.
Spartans, Step Up
The Spartans will not only lean heavily on Winston’s play, but they will need players to step up for this team to go far. The two players that seem likely candidates to produce on the glass are freshman Marcus Bingham, Jr. and Robert Morris transfer Braden Burke. The former seems more likely to play more minutes, but both have impressive resumes entering their first season with the Spartans.
Burke averaged 19 points and 12 rebounds in his high school career but saw little-to-no playing time while at Robert Morris (averaged roughly 15 minutes per game). Bingham, Jr. has been a leader his entire high school career, leading his school to a conference and district championship as the senior captain. He was also a finalist for Michigan Mr. Basketball. The Spartans may go with a big-man committee to start the season, but Izzo may end up giving Bingham, Jr. more minutes if he produces well early.
The Top Team
Kansas is the nation’s top team to begin the season, something many is very familiar with. The Jayhawks shouldn’t falter too far from being a top team all year, as they return two of their top five scorers while welcoming some solid transfers. Lagerald Vick and Udoka Azubuike are expected to be the leaders of this team while playing around the Lawson brothers.
Both Vick and Azubuike recorded over 400 total points last season, as Vick finished with 187 rebounds. Azubuike was the only Jayhawk to have over 400 points and 200 rebounds last season. With Vick and Azubuike returning as the main leaders of this team, expect a very physical Kansas team to take the court this season. Paint play will be difficult for Kansas opponents to beat, especially with Azubuike lurking down low. Azubuike set a school and conference record by connecting on 77% of his field goals last year, which actually ranked second in NCAA history!
Brotherly Love
As mentioned above, the Jayhawks will be looking to play around the Lawson brothers. Dedric and K.J. enter their first season with the Kansas Jayhawks, sitting out last year due to NCAA transfer rules. Both the Lawson’s left Memphis, producing nicely while over at the American Athletic Conference (AAC). While at Memphis, Dedric led the AAC in rebounds per game (9.9) while finishing second in the conference in scoring.
Dedric saw at least 20 games in which he recorded 10 or more rebounds. Needless to say, the addition of Dedric adds even more firepower to the Kansas Jawhawk paint play. The defense gets better overall with K.J. stepping onto the court too. K.J. is listed as a 6-foot-8 guard, which is an immediate defensive mismatch for many opponents. K.J. produced in the AAC as well, winning conference Rookie of the Year honors in 2017.
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