Point guard by committee

After starting last season as the Spartans’ starting two guard, sophomore Rocket Watts did not appear in the starting lineup. In a conservative two-point, 1-for-6 showing, Watts saw his first action off the bench Wednesday.

In the start, Loyer recorded 20 points on 6-of-10 from three, combatting EMU’s zone — a scheme that typically causes problems for MSU — with his outside shot making.

“That zone is hard to go against,” Head Coach Tom Izzo said following the victory. “If he doesn't make those shots, we probably really struggle. So, that kind of opened some things up and got some other guys going.”

Naturally, comparisons between Watts and Loyer that began in the preseason continued up until and after the season opener’s starters were announced. Izzo addressed each player's attributes in running the point and compared them to past Spartan point guards when speaking to reporters Friday. 

“I think Rocket's more like Keith (Appling), where he's got the jet speed and things like that,” Izzo said. “Maybe he doesn't shoot it quite as well yet. I think Foster is a little bit like a Drew Neitzel that he shoots it really well, and yet, guarding people and the athleticism and size sometimes creates a problem. But, Foster's improved a ton. I'm asking Rocket to improve both as the two guard and as a point guard.”

Aaron Henry facilitates

Junior forward Aaron Henry, sporting a new look in jersey and appearance, picked up where he left off last season, recording a game-high seven assists, facilitating around the perimeter and through the middle of the zone. He only made two shots on three attempts, however, reviving a common theme Izzo touched on last year, saying “he wasn’t thinking shot enough.”

 “He was too unselfish tonight,” Izzo said. “We got to get him more buckets. We've to get him more shots, but some of those, he passed up.”

Medley of centers

Junior forward Thomas Kithier made the start at center, but MSU has a multitude of options to play at that spot, according to Izzo. Junior forward Marcus Bingham Jr. looked visibly stronger and more adept in holding down the five spot after his strength persisted as a concern last season. 

“He's definitely stronger,” Izzo said of Bingham. “He's a better passer. He's got, I think better post moves. … We feel like as a staff, he's passing the ball much better too, and that would make him a more complete player.”

The Grand Rapids, Michigan, native finished with three assists and six points on 2-of-3 shooting. 

“As he develops those skills, we've got four guys down there in Julius (Marble) and he and Thomas (Kithier) and of course Mady (Sissoko), and Mady's still coming," Izzo said. "… So, we think we're going to have some depth down there.”

Langford starts

Perhaps the most welcoming sight to Spartan fans was Langford’s reappearance in the starting lineup after two years of absence. The game-speed rust was apparent, but the veteran guard had a solid showing after his extended respite, scoring 10 on 3-of-8 from the field.

What he didn’t show was a staple of his game — touch and suavity from mid-range, as Izzo said, “I can’t let him forget his mid-range game.”

Bench depth

In what looked like a platooning of lineups, MSU showed that a multitude of players, one through 10, make their case to start. In a season where teams will struggle with absences due to COVID-19, Izzo noted the importance of developing his bench. 

He talked most notably about junior forward Gabe Brown’s coming off the bench after the victory.

“I think he's an instant offense guy, like a Morris Peterson coming off that bench,” Izzo said. “I’m going to try to make him the best sixth man in college basketball.”

 MSU (1-0) will host Notre Dame (0-0) at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28.