Winston returning, Ward to the draft

[johnny2x2x]

Title says it all. Ward is moving on, probably tot play in Europe. Winston will be a POY favorite.

 

[everyoneneedsasmil]

I'm confused by Ward, who doesn't look likely to be drafted. Moving to Europe is a lot easier said than done, and Ward would be smart to get even a token degree before leaving. Winston-Langford-Ward could be a legitimate big 3 in college, so I can't see why he wouldn't want to come back. But who knows, he might need the money at home or just really likes his chances on the pre-draft circuit.

 

[SpartyNash]

I'm confused by Ward, who doesn't look likely to be drafted. Moving to Europe is a lot easier said than done, and Ward would be smart to get even a token degree before leaving. Winston-Langford-Ward could be a legitimate big 3 in college, so I can't see why he wouldn't want to come back. But who knows, he might need the money at home or just really likes his chances on the pre-draft circuit.

Take the money now I say. I assume he?s got 3 years of college done, finish up when your playing career ends. Might as well pursue the dream and if it doesn?t work you bounce around overseas for some years and make a few hundred thousand, not a bad start to the working world.

 

[MSUMatt28]

I don't think he'll get drafted or make an NBA roster next year (maybe ever?), but good luck to Ward. With him we'd have been close to a runaway choice for #1 to start next year. Now...still pretty highly ranked, but someone needs to step up at the 4, unless we go small.

 

[Spartan23MSU]

surprised....Tillman is a btetter pick than Ward. Ward is euro league at best:hmm:

 

[MSUMatt28]

It's probably best that he's moving on. It's clear that he's got playing professionally on his mind regardless of his prospects. Players like that if they come back it can sometimes be detrimental if you're playing more to impress the scouts than to help your college team win. It makes them less imposing on paper but if Langford and Ahrens are healthy, Tillman continues the strides he's made and Henry takes the next step that most expect, it's a pretty strong lineup along with of course a NPOY candidate and Watts. They could play small against a lot of people or do a power forward by committee (Bingham, Kithier, Hall, Marble, heck maybe even Brown if they can put some weight on him and he can figure things out defensively).

If there the possibility of a grad transfer with Ward's scholarship open? I haven't heard that they're really in on any of the ones out there currently.

 

[everyoneneedsasmil]

My issue with Ward's choice is just that it wouldn't have really changed in a year. If he can play in Europe, he could have done so next year. If he has any chance of making an NBA team, it's going to be as a UDFA (same would have been true next year). Maybe he (and his family) just need start making money. That's fine, but I feel like his career earnings aren't going to be greatly defined by one more year (and hopefully a degree) in college. Thats more of an issue for star-level players.

But honestly I wish him the best. He was great here and I'm glad to have watched him play. I hope he can make it in the NBA, or if not to build a solid career overseas. Wish he would have returned, but happy for him to do right by himself first.

 

[gotime909]

My big concern is we are losing our two best rebounders now. Puts a lot of pressure on Kithier and Bingham to take a big step. Also leaves us pretty thin in the post. Wouldn't mind adding a grad transfer post player for insurance reasons.

 

[johnny2x2x]

Jerry Meyer says MSU leads for the Hauser brothers who are transferring from Marquette. Personally, I’d rather go after Blackshear who is a grad transfer. The Hausers would have to sit a year unless some kind of waiver was granted.

 

[Spartanmack]

this really sucks. i was hopeful for the Ward/Tillman lineup. assuming ward stayed healthy it would be tough for izzo to underplay him next year and i think his post offense with Tillmans athleticism and improving defense along with a healthy Langford would give Winston a lot of options and a lot of space to work in.

 

[johnny2x2x]

this really sucks. i was hopeful for the Ward/Tillman lineup. assuming ward stayed healthy it would be tough for izzo to underplay him next year and i think his post offense with Tillmans athleticism and improving defense along with a healthy Langford would give Winston a lot of options and a lot of space to work in.

To be clear, I think we are better with Ward playing. But Ward is a weird player, he's one of those players that could put up 20 and 8 a game with some tams, but that team wouldn't be all that good. His game really hinders our offense at times, he can barely pass out of the double team, can't shoot, and bogs the offense down. When he was at his best for us was when he was sprinting down the court on the break.

Tillman is a different type of player, he's more well rounded, but he's not as good of a low post scorer. You win with players like Tillman more than like Ward.

I really want to see us add a grad transfer post player to replace Ward's size, someone who is a good defender, rebounder, and has good size. 2019-20 is the year it can all come together, we will need a little more size though IMO. Tillman is not really 6-9, he's a big 6-7 IMO, I've stood next to him. Then you have 6-8 Kithier and 6-8 freshman Marble who is a red shirt candidate. Losing Goins who played the 4 and could guard some 5s as well as switch on some 2s and 3s is another loss of size. Goins was a great rebounder too.

Obviously, Kerry Blackshear would be ideal, 6-10, 250 lbs and tough as nails, averaged 15 and 8 last season. Izzo and the staff have contacted him, but I suppose so has every other staff in the country since he announced he is going to be a grad transfer. He's everyone's #1, but there are several other decent guys with size we could snatch. Doesn't have to be a star IMO, getting someone with some size who can defend and rebound 12+ minutes a game would give us a complete team IMO.

 

[Spartanmack]

The piece I read seems to indicate Blackshear will stay in the SEC - he may follow his coach to A&M or go to Florida. It's the only thing I've read and was clearly written by a Kentucky beat writer lamenting the fact that he probably wouldn't be at UK next year - but nothing I saw mentioned MSU or any non SEC schools.

Ward runs the floor really well but that's not where he was at his best. When we were able to run the offense through him was when he was at his best and the tandem of him and Tillman would mean a lot less double teams than the typical lineup pairing him w/ Goins who added NOTHING on offense. Throw in a couple more guys that can handle the ball and shoot and Ward would be a big part of a potentially great team.

He adds a dimension of physical toughness the rest of the front court lacks - nobody including Zion Williamson could push him around. Not true w/ Tillman, Goins, etc. I think that has a lot to do with why Goins was a good rebounder - Ward did all the banging.

Barring injuries and locker room issues, I think the team will be very good next season, but there's no doubt in my mind they'd be better if he stayed.