Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo speaks to the media after the 62-44 win over Ohio State on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019, in East Lansing. Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press
Let's be clear from the start. Losing Nick Ward is a blow.
Michigan State's junior forward is a talented low-post scorer who can rebound and run the floor. Sunday's news of a hairline fracture in his left hand should worry anyone who cares about the Spartans.
When Ward was engaged — as he was often this season — there was no one quite like him in the Big Ten.