Michigan State Women’s Basketball: Nia Clouden earns All-Big Ten preseason honors

The Michigan State women’s basketball team starts exhibition play this upcoming Sunday, Oct. 31 against the Northwood University Timberwolves at 2 p.m., and the regular season is just around the corner beginning on Nov. 9.

That of course means that it is high time preseason honors start rolling out, and it is no surprise and a much deserved honor to see MSU senior point guard Nia Clouden was named to the 2021-22 Preseason All-Big Ten first-team as selected by coaches and media.

The senior point guard earns her second-straight preseason honors after being named 2020-2021 Preseason All-Big Ten by both the coaches and media as well. Clouden’s 18.7 points per game in the Big Ten last season was good for fifth in scoring. She earned her third-straight All-Big Ten honor of her career last season after being named to All-Big Ten first-team at the conclusion of the season.

Clouden’s 18.7 points per game last season was the most by a Spartan since the 2016-2017 season when Tori Jankoska averaged 22.6 points per game. With Clouden back, along with six other returning players of MSU’s top starters from last season, the Spartans will hope to build on the team’s NCAA Tournament appearance last season, though the Big Ten looks to be a formidable conference this season.

Maryland was picked to finish first in the league, Indiana second and Iowa third. The Spartans finished back in eighth place in last season’s final league standings, but were heavily impacted by COVID-19.