Michigan State Basketball: Projected starting lineup, minutes for 2019-20

Reserves

Foster Loyer is a true point guard and though he struggled last year as a freshman, there’s not much to be concerned about. He showed glimpses of what he can do against opponents when he went 4-for-5 from behind the arc in the game against Ohio State.

No, he did not look super impressive in games when he had to relieve Cassius Winston but what would you expect in a freshman who is subbing for one of MSU’s all time greats? He will be better this year having more experience and knowing what to expect more. He will be able to give a few helpful minutes to give Winston a chance to rest to keep him fresh.

Rocket Watts is the best freshman in this year’s class. He has a ton of expectations on him this year and depending on how he performs he could take a starting job in certain games. He can shoot, he has handles and he knows the game. If Loyer does not live up to expectations, Watts will fight for his chance to play the point guard position to relieve Winston. Regardless, Watts will start the year with an average of 8-10 minutes and will only go up from there.

Gabe Brown will be on the floor for about 15 minutes a game this year. He is another sophomore with more to prove. He showed signs of what he can live up to on a nightly basis in a few games last year. He can shoot the long ball. He can defend and get the boards with ease. Brown will be able to relieve Aaron Henry and/or Kyle Ahrens at the forward spot. He knows the game and will only continue to improve.

Marcus Bingham Jr. has done a lot in the offseason to better his game. He hit the gym and was able to put on some weight so he does not get pushed around as much this year. Bingham is a lengthy guy who has a lot of potential in Tom Izzo’s system. He can shoot well but he needs to improve his inside game. He knows how to defend well and pushes the floor for the transition buckets. He will need to show how much he has done this offseason because this is the position the Spartans are the thinnest at. He will need to prove himself so much that he can be out on the floor for at least 15 minutes a night.

Thomas Kithier looks like he will be a great four-year player under Izzo. Last year, some people were talking about how he was one of the best pick-and-roll players on the team. He’s so patient when he is called for the pick-and-roll that he knows when to leak out to be open for an easy pass from Winston for the easy layup. He’s slightly undersized but when has Izzo had a huge backup center? Izzo knows how to produce with guys who are undersized and this is no different. Kithier will probably get about 20 minutes a game as long as he can show he deserves it just like last year.

Other guys like Malik Hall and Julius Marble might begin the year with limited action before growing into larger roles. Both have been highly-touted this offseason as true freshmen.

Izzo has a great team this year and will lead them the best way he thinks is possible. Remember, he likes to switch up his rotation at times early in the season to see how his team play together and this year will be know different.

If any one of these players are not performing like they should be, not giving it their all, they don’t how enough grit, Izzo has no issue with pulling guys because it is a teachable moment. Expect great things from this team.