mlive
Fans attending this summer's Moneyball Pro-Am might have needed a second glance when they saw Jordan Scott and Cam Ward, as the Michigan State sophomores have visibly bulked up since last season.
Ward has packed on nearly 20 pounds, while Scott added 15, a transformation that is hard to miss. Scott, now a more defined 6-foot-8 wing, joked about his new physique, noting that he has a bit more muscle than before. Ward, a 6-foot-9 power forward, has also seen a dramatic change, going from 224 to 243 pounds, looking more sculpted overall.
Ward reflected on his freshman year, calling it an introduction to the physical demands of college basketball. He emphasized that a full year in the weight room has made a real difference, helping him shed what he called the baby weight and baby lifts from high school. Now, with consistent training, he feels much better equipped to handle contact and play more effectively.
Both Scott and Ward, former four-star recruits from the DMV area, were the only freshmen on coach Tom Izzo's roster last season, and both saw meaningful minutes. Scott initially faced the possibility of redshirting but ended up starting the final 13 games at shooting guard, appearing in all 35 contests and averaging 5.8 points and 3.1 rebounds. He attributes his growth to the experience gained, saying he feels more confident and prepared for what to expect in games.
Ward made an early splash with 18 points and 10 rebounds in the second game against Arkansas, but a wrist injury during a Thanksgiving win over North Carolina hampered his progress. He managed only one more double-digit scoring game, finishing the season with averages of 5.1 points and 4.2 rebounds while playing through the injury.
Scott's defensive prowess was a key factor in his playing time, highlighted by a standout performance against Illinois star Keaton Wagler, who was drafted fifth overall by the Clippers. In just his second start, Scott helped limit Wagler to 2-of-16 shooting, despite suffering a cut above his eye from friendly fire.
Key Analysis
With the added muscle, both players are expected to take on larger roles. Scott will likely split time between the 2 and 3 positions, though he faces competition from junior Kur Teng and freshman Jasiah Jervis for the starting guard spot. Ward, on the other hand, is the frontrunner to start at power forward, but he must improve his free-throw shooting, which was just 50.9 percent last season.
Izzo has noted Ward's improvement in putting the ball on the floor, defending, and rebounding, but emphasized the need for continued development in his shooting. Ward is optimistic, stating that if his free throws improve, everything else will follow.
Michigan State boasts impressive size and versatility, giving Izzo numerous lineup options. With Fears and Coen Carr expected to remain stars, the sophomores' physical growth could be a key factor in the team's success this season.
Originally reported by mlive.