Michigan State Basketball: Way-too-early projected starting lineup for 2020-21

When Michigan State recruited Joey Hauser in high school, it looked like he was going to be the next inside-out forward who would help the Spartans open the floor — he would be good for someone like Cassius Winston who liked to get to the basket.

Unfortunately, he picked Marquette where he could play with his brother as Tom Izzo and the Spartans finished second in his recruitment.

Luckily for Izzo and the Spartans, they got another shot when he decided to transfer from Marquette and the news was even better when he revealed that he wasn’t married to the idea of playing with his brother at his next school. That’s when Michigan State basically won him over, showing him how he’d fit in 2020-21.

Many believed he would play in 2019-20, but his waiver of immediate eligibility was denied. He sat out, got to learn the system and practice with the team and he’s ready to contribute as the starting power forward next season.

Hauser averaged 9.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, shot 45 percent from the floor and 43 percent from 4-point range as a redshirt freshman with the Golden Eagles. He’ll be a great floor-stretching addition for MSU.

Other options at the four will be Julius Marble and Malik Hall.