Since I did not have a chance to cover this when it happened originally back in March, I wanted to make sure I took time to celebrate Xavier Tillman’s Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year Award. It seemed like a great opportunity to do so this week, as this is the week he actually received the award in the mail.
While he made six starts during the regular season (and many more in the NCAA Tournament), the 6’8″ Sophomore forward/center from Grand Rapids made a tremendous impact this season, after a summer expanding and improving his game.
Despite his bench role, Tillman still averaged the 5th most minutes-per-game on the team, and actually led the team in plus-minus.
His defensive versatility, instincts, and smart offensive play helped him break out in the NCAA Tournament as he started every game. His run was capped off by probably the best defensive performance NCAA fans saw on Zion Williamson all season in Michigan State’s now historic win over Duke in the Elite Eight.
His play in the Tournament and this season has already helped him emerge as a legitimate NBA prospect. The award he received from the Big Ten was well-deserved, but I will be expecting him to be a favorite for their All-Defensive team, at the minimum, next season.
