Michigan State coach Tom Izzo previews the Spartans' matchup against LSU in the NCAA tournament East Region semifinal Thursday in Washington. Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press
WASHINGTON — Tom Izzo called Cassius Winston into his office. The meeting topic on that February morning: leadership.
Nick Ward had suffered a hairline fracture on his left hand and underwent surgery a few hours earlier. Joshua Langford was still using a scooter after a foot operation on Feb. 7. Kyle Ahrens, at the time, was hobbled only by a back injury.
Michigan State’s basketball coach needed Winston, his last remaining junior starter, to strap the Spartans on his shoulders.