It was a single exhibition game against a subpar opponent, but Michigan State’s home win over Northern Michigan showed certain offseason indicators to consider going forward.
One is that Foster Loyer isn’t ready to shine yet. When Loyer dropped 40 points to win a consecutive state championship last season, the state’s Mr. Basketball capped off a legendary high school career. But Tuesday’s game again showed that college is different.
Loyer appeared lost defensively and, less accustomed to being beaten to loose balls, surrendered a layup by taking an ill-advised gamble. Despite being a supernatural shooter, higher speed makes creating shooting space more difficult.