HOLT — A year ago, entering his freshman season at Michigan State, Jordan Scott came to the Moneyball Pro-Am unsure of what his first-year role would be for the Spartans.
He was just looking to contribute in any way that he could.
Little did he know that by late in the season, he would be starting for the Spartans and playing instrumental minutes during a Sweet 16 NCAA tournament run.
Scott evolved into one of MSU’s best perimeter shooters and most effective defenders. Now, after working to develop a stronger frame to adapt to the physical nature of the Big Ten, the sophomore hopes to take a big leap and become one of MSU’s most reliable all-around players.
“I feel a bit more confident coming into this year, just having a year under my belt and just knowing what to expect in games,” Scott said during Moneyball action on Tuesday, July 21. “Now I’m focused on helping this team win a lot of games. I think we left a lot of food on the table last year, and I think with the core we have returning and the talent we are bringing in, we’re going to look pretty good.”
Scott has gained 15 pounds in the offseason, working with MSU’s strength coaches to add necessary muscle to his frame. He’s also revamped his diet, taking in more calories and eating cleaner, which he said has been beneficial in his progression in the gym.
Scott, who is paired up with incoming MSU freshman forward Julius Avent on Team SPS, poured in 22 points in their team’s overtime victory over Team Motocars on Tuesday. Avent, who is the lowest-ranked of a star-studded four-player freshman class for the Spartans, is tied as the top scorer in the Pro-Am through five games with MSU senior Coen Carr.
Avent is facing a similar situation that Scott did last year when Scott came to MSU with low expectations of early playing time and used that as motivation throughout the year. Scott has taken his Moneyball teammate under his wing, helping him embrace that same underdog mindset.
“There’s definitely a little bit of a chip on my shoulder, you know, and I’m just trying to prove myself every day in practices, games, or anything really,” Avent said. “I want to earn my way up, whether that’s earning minutes on the court first and then seeing where it goes from there.”
The Moneyball Pro-Am continues with games on July 23 at Holt High School. Play begins at 6 p.m. each night.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Now battle-tested, sturdier Jordan Scott looks to take next step for MSU basketball
Reporting by Nathaniel Bott, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Nathaniel Bott, Lansing State Journal | USA TODAY Network
