Michigan State Basketball: Who should start at PF in 2019-20?

One of the biggest questions in Michigan State basketball’s offseason has been who will start at the four? Let’s break down the candidates.

Michigan State, like any team, has plenty of question marks heading into the 2019-20 season. Just because the Spartans are the likely preseason No. 1 team doesn’t mean they’re immune to uncertainties, and that’s what they’re facing at the power forward spot.

The starting lineup goes a little something like this:

PG: Cassius Winston
SG: Josh Langford
SF: Aaron Henry
PF: ?
C: Xavier Tillman

Granted, the post isn’t the biggest in the country with a 6-foot-8 Tillman starting at center, but it might be one of the better ones, assuming the power forward possibilities step up.

So who are the options right now?

Let’s start with one who is the most experienced and could play down there for a small-ball lineup. Kyle Ahrens is entering his final season with the program and is athletic enough to play anywhere from the two to the four. He might be a little small for power forward on defense, but he could create mismatches on the other end.

Next, there’s arguably the most intriguing option in Marcus Bingham Jr. who has added some weight this offseason but Tom Izzo says he’s still about 20 pounds away from where he should be. He’s the best athlete and shooter mixed with size the Spartans have and could be a game-changer if he lives up to his potential. He’s a mini Jaren Jackson Jr. and his potential is through the roof. The worry is that he might not be strong enough to defend down low.

The best option might be Thomas Kithier who burned his redshirt and is heading into his sophomore season with lofty expectations. He reminds me a little of Matt Costello and I think he can bring that same energy to the lineup. He needs to get a little stronger, but chances are he did that this offseason. He could be a solid 10-point, 8-rebound guy.

Then there are the two freshmen in Malik Hall, who is a Kenny Goins clone with more athleticism, and Julius Marble who has been raved about all offseason. Chances are they’re not going to start early on, but they could earn larger roles. Marble could be a Nick Ward-type of breakout player and Hall has all the intangibles that could make him a star.

And then there’s the unlikeliest of scenarios but potentially the most beneficial. Joey Hauser could be declared immediately eligible by the NCAA and be inserted into that four spot right away with experience under his belt and the ability to score from anywhere. He might give this team the highest ceiling (outside of Bingham Jr.).

So who should get the starting nod? I think to begin the season, it’d be smart to go with Kithier and let him prove himself. He gave the team a spark when he saw the court a year ago and that wouldn’t be bad to ride with. Bingham Jr. is my other choice outside of Hauser.

Switching between Kithier and Bingham Jr. would work wonders and I think both bring different skillsets that benefit both ends of the court.

Michigan State has plenty of solid options, though, and that’s something that not many teams can say about a single position in question.