Predicting Michigan State basketball’s starting 5 vs. Eastern Michigan

Center: Marcus Bingham Jr., Junior

There’s some debate about who will start at center for MSU, whether it could be Marcus Bingham, Thomas Kithier or Julius Marble, but Izzo and the staff will roll the dice on Bingham.

Marcus Bingham hasn’t lived up to the lofty expectations with which he came to Michigan State, but he has provided a solid defensive anchor in the minutes he has played. He is the best shot blocker on the team, rarely allowing a shot to go up in his vicinity.

He needs to improve his shooting ability, which was one of his strengths coming out of high school. He hasn’t found it since being at MSU, but there’s a chance he could get it back this season.

Bingham has put on muscle in the offseason, so if he can get strong in the paint, he’s going to be a tough stop in the post. His ceiling is high, so he could finally reach that potential he came in with this year. Being that player provides a solid five for Tom Izzo to work with throughout the season.