I do not think it is much of a secret anymore, Michigan State is poised for greatness next year, and the country is taking notice. For the past week, Andy Katz of NCAA.com has been releasing his position-specific preseason award rankings, and they have only further illuminated the fact that all Michigan State fans already knew: this team has talent.
Here is every position award ranking thus far, along with what Katz had to say about each player:
Cassius Winston: Bob Cousy Award, #1
This had to have been the easiest pick for Katz. Despite the existence of the talented Markus Howard in Marquette, Cassius Winston is the easy frontrunner to be the top point guard in the NCAA next season.
From Katz:
“Enters the season as the preseason favorite for Big Ten player of the year and a first-team all-American. Winston leads the likely preseason No. 1 team.”
Aaron Henry: Jerry West Award, #4
My only quibble with this is that I think Henry will be more of the small forward, and Langford will be more of the shooting guard, but the ranking here is about where I’d put Henry. He’s certainly made a huge rise in the national eye after his play last season.
From Katz:
“Henry is on the verge of being a household name outside of the Big Ten. Cassius Winston will feed him often and Henry will respond by finishing from all over the floor.”
Joshua Langford: Julius Erving Award, #3
Despite his leg injury last season, Joshua Langford was still given respect by Andy Katz, coming in at #3 in his Julius Erving award rankings, given to the nation’s top small forward.
From Katz:
“Langford and Aaron Henry will be interchangeable playing both big guard/wings for the Spartans. Langford averaged 15 points per game before a foot injury shelved him in late December. He returns as one of the top players in the Big Ten.”
Xavier Tillman: Karl Malone Award, #2
Rounding out the four rankings is Xavier Tillman, who was ranked #2 in the power forward rankings by Katz and NCAA.com. This comes after Tillman’s emergence
From Katz:
“Tillman will shine even more with the departures of Nick Ward and Kenny Goins. He has continued to diversify his game and will continue to be a major factor in the Spartans quest for a national title.”
