Nick Ward

[LuciousGameWinner]

Is hands down our best player right now. He is an absolute beast down low. I know Bridges has higher "upside" but I'll take Ward every day of the week. Is there any way that this guy goes to the NBA after this year? Please say no.

Also, Izzo it's time to start all the freshmen. Tum Tum and Goins are dreadful. Go with Winston, Harris, Langford, Bridges, and Ward.

 

[johnny2x2x]

Ward was an underrated recruit even though he was still almost a 5 star. He lost weight and really increased his athleticism. His footwork is incredible for a kid. He's close to what Zach Randolph was as a freshman. We'll see what he does against Big Ten competition, but he's a load so far. 12-6 average in just over 16 minutes a game. Also really plays hard and with a passion.

I think there is a chance he leaves, but it's less than 30%.

 

[gotime909]

Is hands down our best player right now. He is an absolute beast down low. I know Bridges has higher "upside" but I'll take Ward every day of the week. Is there any way that this guy goes to the NBA after this year? Please say no.

Also, Izzo it's time to start all the freshmen. Tum Tum and Goins are dreadful. Go with Winston, Harris, Langford, Bridges, and Ward.

I'm still kinda wondering what in the world went into starting Ahrens last game.

Tum
Harris
McQuaid
Ahrens
Goins

That was seriously the worst starting lineup that I've ever seen MSU put on the floor. They accounted for 4 fucking first half points!!!

 

[Spartan23MSU]

I'm still kinda wondering what in the world went into starting Ahrens last game.

Tum
Harris
McQuaid
Ahrens
Goins

That was seriously the worst starting lineup that I've ever seen MSU put on the floor. They accounted for 4 fucking first half points!!!

That squad should beat oral roberts by 25 at home. :shrug::nod:

 

[MSUMatt28]

Fortunately for us I don't think Ward will get much traction as a first round pick next year. He doesn't have the length (listed at 6-8) or athleticism (he is either a poor man's Zach Randolph or a rich man's Derrick Nix, lol) that NBA teams covet.


As for Bridges, this is the flip-side to getting one and done talent. No doubt he'll get drafted and get drafted high but a lot of the time he is far from a great college player with lots of holes in his game, which he'll get to iron out while getting paid instead of to the benefit of MSU. Ideally you want that one and done talent surrounded by solid veterans that allow a team to ride out the early ups and downs of freshman mega-talent, or you have a whole group of them that are collectively so talented, that the youth doesn't matter, like what Duke and Kentucky are able to do.

I don't know if Langford is still laboring with that injury or what, but I think Izzo needs to start getting him extended minutes and go with what comes from that. Once he starts to feel comfortable he's the only other player with double figure scorer potential, beyond Bridges, Harris, and as it turns out, Ward.