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Miami Heat NBA Draft: Why Cassius Winston is a name to keep an eye on

By Kenneth Wilson

Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans looks on while playing the Ohio State Buckeyes (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans looks on while playing the Ohio State Buckeyes (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans looks to pass the ball off against Andres Feliz #10 of the Illinois Fighting Illini (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Cassius Winston the Record Breaker

Winston is the all-time leader in assists for the NCAA’s Big 10 Conference, which inevitably makes him the leader in Michigan State history, ahead of second place in the conference and the school, Mateen Cleaves.

He is a four-year college player, who has improved every season, and has shown a knack for making big plays. He isn’t extremely athletic nor gifted from a size standpoint, but the 6’1 guard gets the most out of every little inch.

What sets him apart and only if you couldn’t tell by the records that he holds, is his outstanding playmaking ability and court vision. He is also a leader of men and a born winner, one of those guys who just will their teams to win, even when they aren’t the better team.

That is just what makes him the perfect Miami Heat guy. With a very similar playing style and basketball philosophy as Michigan State, being tougher, more physical, and ready to outwork your opponent on each and every night, he would fit in naturally with the Heat’s culture.

As far as how others see his talent or don’t see it, according to the rankings and buzz leading to the draft on Winston, he is projected by NBAdraft.net to be a second-round pick. If you look at other opinions, such as that of Sports Illustrated’s Richard Stayman, he has Winston listed at the 44th best prospect on his NBA draft big board. Here is what Stayman had to say on Winston.

"I have had my doubts about Winston overcoming his undersized frame and awkward shooting mechanics, but he might be one of the most intelligent players in the draft. It’s hard to imagine Winston being a consistent starter, but high-IQ players with a high work ethic continuously overcome the odds, and the 6-1 Winston has a chance to continue that trend. Despite an awkward shooting form that he may struggle to find success in over NBA defenders, Winston still shot 43% from 3 over 4 years at Michigan State. Winston may end up getting drafted in the late 2nd round, and look for him to be competing for a roster spot right away."

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