The excitement for Xavier Tillman was on hold in 2017-18 because of the talented group of players the Spartans had in the post, led by Jaren Jackson Jr. and Nick Ward. Though Tillman was eventually going to be a banger down low, he, as well as Michigan State fans, knew that he’d have to wait for his opportunity.
One thing he could have done while waiting would have been remaining content with a backup role and don’t push to better himself both as a player and person and the other option would have been to push himself and force Tom Izzo’s hand late in the season, pushing for more time.