Michigan State Basketball: Malik Hall will fill Kenny Goins void perfectly

With the departure of Kenny Goins, Michigan State basketball has to find an adequate replacement and freshman Malik Hall can be just that.

Kenny Goins was one of the most improved players Tom Izzo coached over the past decade, or so, and went from walk-on as a freshman to integral piece to Michigan State’s Final Four puzzle as a senior.

In his fifth year, Goins looked like one of the best rebounders in the Big Ten and an all-around solid facilitator for a wing or power forward who could play multiple positions.

At 6-7, 230 pounds, Goins could play on the perimeter or drop down into the post and get his hands dirty. He could drill threes or fight for rebounds down low and get some easy second-chance points. He was more of a rebounder and defensive player than he was offensive threat, bu he could score when Michigan State needed a bucket.

Losing him will hurt the Spartans in 2019-20, but they’re replacing him with someone who could actually fill his role perfectly.

Malik Hall, a true freshman, stands 6-foot-7 and weighs in (pre-MSU workout plan) at a slim 190 pounds but you have to remember Goins was 180 pounds when he came to Michigan State and bulked up 50 pounds over his career.

But Hall will be called upon to assume a big role for the Spartans with Goins gone. He’ll be asked to be that inside-out forward who can facilitate and score when called upon, and he’s going to do a great job.

Hall, a top-100 recruit, can handle the ball better than Goins did and he has a much better jump shot at this point in his career than his predecessor did even as a junior. He can get scrappy in the post and fight for offensive boards, if need be, and he has excellent vision. He’s a more athletic and offensive version of Goins, and all he needs to work on is defense and gaining weight.

Michigan State’s 2019 recruiting class fills the appropriate needs, which is why the Spartans will be a prime preseason candidate to win a national title.