Cam Ward has already proven he is a valuable part of Michigan State's future. The former 4-star recruit from Upper Marlboro, Md., averaged 5.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game this past season while averaging 15.3 minutes per game. Ward is projected to be a bench contributor again next season. What To Like About Ward So Far Michigan State's Cam Ward looks to score against UConn during the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena on Friday, March 27, 2026. | Starr Portice, Michigan State Spartans on SI What's great about Ward is that you know you're going to get 105% effort every single game. A pretty good chunk of Ward's points and rebounds came from pure muscle, essentially. He'd sky in for rebounds, move with a jolt of energy some guys just don't have, and oftentimes get a layup or two a game off that. Motor was the main part of Ward's offensive game, but it paid the most dividends on the defensive end. Ward's defensive rating of 100.7 (lower is better) is the best mark among returning players.…