Michigan State Needs Cam Ward to Take the Next Step

The Final Four is coming to Detroit this season, and for Michigan State, there’s only one goal: get to Detroit.

The Spartans have been far removed from the Final Four, with their last appearance coming during the 2018-19 season. Now, nearly seven years later, it’s time for Tom Izzo and his team to prepare for another grueling campaign and emerge battle-tested when March arrives.

Advertisement

Michigan is the reigning national champion and finally took away the title of “last Big Ten team to win a national championship” from Izzo and the Spartans. You can tell Izzo is more motivated than ever to get Michigan State back to the top of college basketball.

For that to happen, he’ll need contributions from everyone on the roster. However, it’s the experienced players who have already proven themselves that must step up in the biggest moments.

Today, we’re focusing on one player I’ve been infatuated with ever since he arrived in East Lansing.

Cam Ward.

A hard-hitting, extremely passionate power forward who will outwork and outmuscle just about anyone for a rebound. His relentless motor and physicality made him one of Michigan State’s most reliable rebounders off the bench throughout last season.

Advertisement

With an early injury to Kaleb Glenn, Ward was forced into a larger role much sooner than expected, and he responded immediately.

In just the second game of his collegiate career, the Spartans squared off against a highly ranked Arkansas squad. The two teams battled tooth and nail as each searched for its identity early in the season. Michigan State struggled to shoot from beyond the arc, knocking down just one three-pointer the entire game. Despite that, the Spartans held on for a 69-66 victory behind their dominant frontcourt play.

Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler combined for 25 points, but neither led the team in scoring.

That honor belonged to Cam Ward.

Advertisement

Ward exploded for 18 points off the bench while displaying the relentless effort that quickly became his trademark. He…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/michigan-state-needs-cam-ward-022806860.html

Author :

Publish date : 2026-07-06 02:28:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.