Michigan State Basketball: Joey Hauser, stretch-four extraordinaire

Joey Hauser has been everything Michigan State basketball wanted from a stretch-four and more in his first season on the active roster.

Joey Hauser’s breakout performance on Dec. 6 was a manifestation of what Spartan fans envisioned when the smooth-shooting big man announced his decision to transfer to Michigan State from Marquette back in the spring of 2019.

MSU applied to grant him immediate eligibility for the 2019-20 season yet that request was denied by the NCAA. In retrospect, it may not have been the worst news for the 6-foot-9 junior from Stevens Point, Wisc., as Xavier Tillman had a stranglehold on the power forward position and his defensive prowess left him firmly entrenched at the four. It also gave Hauser an opportunity to further develop his game and digest Tom Izzo’s offensive sets and defensive schemes.

Once Tillman took his talents to the NBA (a year early), his vacated spot in the lineup instantly belonged to Hauser. He has not squandered his chance to blossom into that role. If his 24-point (career high) outburst against Western Michigan is any indication of what’s to come, he’s a budding star.

He went from solid during his first four games to spectacular against the Broncos. It’s fair to question what the outcome may have been for MSU had Hauser not went off as the Spartans looked sluggish for a second consecutive game, just as they did against Detroit Mercy. He provided his team with a much-needed scoring punch.

From the opening tip until the final whistle, Hauser was in attack mode. He showed his versatility by draining a mid-range jumper for MSU’s first basket. The next time down the floor, he blew by his defender for a slick left-handed lay-in at the rim. His barrage of buckets continued all night long as he refused to let up.

He has proven to be extremely dangerous down on the block too with his array of post moves, excellent footwork, ability to finish with either hand, and range that stretches out well-beyond the arc.

Hauser is as advertised and the Spartan faithful should cherish watching him play because at this rate, he may not be around for too long as professional scouts salivate over well-rounded, skilled forwards such as him who possess great size, are fantastic passers, and can bury threes with at an accurate clip (Hauser shot it better than 42 percent from three in his lone full collegiate season as a freshman with the Golden Eagles).

As Michigan State was finally able to string a run together and pull away down the stretch, Hauser sank his most impressive shot of the contest when he drilled a ridiculous trey with his left heel on the edge of the center court Spartan logo. The second he crosses mid-court, he’s a threat to score. In all, he drained six shots from long distance to go along with 10 rebounds, four assists and his aforementioned 24 points.

His game compliments the other two Spartan standouts perfectly as Rocket Watts and Aaron Henry are at their best when they’re slashing to the hoop. Their penetration and kick outs promise to leave Hauser with plenty of clean looks as the season unfolds. Consequently, his efficiency making shots along the perimeter, opens up driving lanes for Watts and Henry.

Hauser is the epitome of a stretch-four. He’s absolutely lethal on offense and after his dynamic display this past weekend, the Big Ten if officially on notice.