To the surprise of just about nobody, Michigan State University junior Cassius Winston has been named Big 10 Player of the Year.

Winston all but locked up the honor Saturday on the biggest stage of the year when the Spartans hosted the University of Michigan Wolverines with the Big Ten title on the line.

Winston overcame a slow first half to log 23 points and lead MSU to a 75-63 win and the regular season champtionship.

MSU head coach Tom Izzo has often said that the Spartans success would depend heavily on the junior guard.

Winston did not disappoint, leading MSU to a regular season record of 25-6, 16-4 in the Big Ten and a sixth ranking nationally.

Winston is a 2016 Mr. Basketball in Michigan, graduating from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy.

He became a starter for the Spartans in his sophomore year, averaging 12.6 points a game and 6.9 assists per game.

That was enough to earn him third-team All-Big Ten honors.

Before this season started he was named to the preseason All-Big Ten team.

Winston is the ninth Michigan State basketball player to be named Big Ten Player of the Year and the first since Denzel Valentine earned the honor in 2016.