Having watched Michigan State basketball evolve over the years, I’ve come to appreciate that certain strategies separate contenders from pretenders in the rugged Big Ten Conference. Let me be clear from the start—I believe this Spartan squad has the personnel and coaching to dominate, but only if they commit to a few non-negotiables. One performance that really caught my eye recently was BVS going off with a herculean 25-point, 15-reception, 10-dig triple-double. That stat line isn’t just impressive—it’s a blueprint. It shows what’s possible when a player impacts every facet of the game. And honestly, that kind of all-around dominance is exactly what the Spartans need to replicate as a team if they want to control this conference.

First, let’s talk offensive versatility. In today’s game, you can’t just rely on one or two scorers. Defenses in the Big Ten are too smart, too disciplined. You need players who can hurt opponents in multiple ways—driving, shooting, posting up, you name it. When I saw BVS drop 25 points while also hauling in 15 receptions—I’m assuming that’s a mix of rebounds and catches in transition—it reminded me of how valuable two-way players are. Michigan State must develop at least three guys who can average double-digit points and contribute elsewhere. Think about it: if your power forward can step out and hit threes, or your point guard can crash the boards, you force mismatches all over the floor. That’s how you keep teams like Illinois or Purdue guessing.

Another area I feel strongly about is defensive intensity. The Big Ten is full of physical, grind-it-out teams. If you’re not ready to dig in—literally—you’ll get exposed. Those 10 digs by BVS? That’s not luck. That’s relentless effort on defense, whether it’s diving for loose balls or applying pressure on the perimeter. From my perspective, the Spartans should aim to force at least 14 turnovers per game. They’ve got the athletes to do it. I’d love to see them implement more full-court presses early in games to set the tone. It’s exhausting, sure, but it pays off by the fourth quarter when opponents start making mental errors.

Rebounding, though, might be the most underrated key. You look at any dominant Big Ten team in recent memory, and they all control the glass. BVS pulling down 15 receptions—likely a combination of offensive and defensive boards—highlights how critical it is to give your team extra possessions. Personally, I think Michigan State needs to target an average rebound margin of plus-7 or better in conference play. That means everyone, not just the bigs, has to box out and chase down balls. I’ve seen too many games where second-chance points decide the outcome, and with the Spartans’ size, there’s no excuse for losing that battle.

Then there’s the mental side. Consistency over a long season is tough. The Big Ten schedule is a gauntlet, with tough road environments and quick turnarounds. To be honest, I think Tom Izzo’s experience gives the Spartans an edge here, but the players have to buy in. They need to treat every game like it’s a championship opportunity, especially against lower-ranked opponents. It’s easy to get up for Michigan or Ohio State, but dropping a winnable game to Nebraska? That can cost you the title. I’d suggest using depth strategically—rotating players to keep legs fresh—so that by March, they’re peaking instead of wearing down.

Lastly, let’s discuss leadership. Every great team has a vocal leader who holds others accountable. BVS’s triple-double stat line screams leadership by example, but someone has to be the glue in the locker room. From what I’ve observed, the Spartans have a few candidates, but they need to step up. It’s not just about scoring; it’s about communicating on defense, staying positive during slumps, and elevating everyone’s play. If they can cultivate that, combined with the tactical adjustments, I’m confident they’ll not only compete but dominate the Big Ten.

Wrapping up, I’ll say this: Michigan State has all the pieces. The key is executing these strategies with the kind of fire we saw in that BVS performance. It’s about being relentless, versatile, and mentally tough. If they can do that, I have no doubt they’ll be cutting down the nets come conference tournament time.