Michigan State’s Rocket Watts to be a Breakout Star in '20

Without Cassius Winston, Rocket Watts will see an increased role in the Michigan State backcourt. Will he have a breakout season?

Rockets Watts will come into the 2020-21 season with a potentially more significant role since the Spartans star point guard, Cassius Winston, graduated.

His new role in the backcourt comes with much higher expectations, and according to CBS Sports, he will be a "breakout star" for the upcoming season.

"Despite losing Cassius Winston and likely Xavier Tillman too, Tom Izzo's Spartans should keep Spartan-ing along in 2020-21 in part because of the presence of second-year star Watts. Last season Watts was a bit piece on a preseason No. 1 team, but he's primed to fill a major void of offensive production," said CBS Sports writer Kyle Boone.

"And it looks like he'll be ready right away: After averaging around only 9.0 points per game most of the season, he finished on a high note, averaging nearly double that in his final four games as his role steadily grew. That new role should be his new norm as he takes on the burden as the most fearless bucket-getter on a Sparty team that should enter the season as a top-10 team."

As a freshman, Watts played in 27 of 31 games (starting in 16) and averaged nine points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.

According to 247Sports Composite Rankings, Watts was the No. 2 overall prospect in Ohio and the seventh-best combo guard in the 2019 class.

Additionally, he was the highest-rated incoming freshmen (0.9865) for the Spartans in '19.

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