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Michigan State Basketball: What should starting 5 look like after Minnesota loss?

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 4, 2020; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Aaron Henry (0) and guard A.J. Hoggard (11) celebrate from the bench during the second half against the Detroit Titans at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2020; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Aaron Henry (0) and guard A.J. Hoggard (11) celebrate from the bench during the second half against the Detroit Titans at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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There’s no ‘quick fix’ to Michigan State basketball’s current struggles but a starting lineup change could be a factor in a potential turnaround.

It’s been an ugly last three games — even six games — for Michigan State. The Spartans are riding a three-game losing streak and before that, they looked shaky in wins over Detroit Mercy, Oakland and Western Michigan.

Tom Izzo said that “it’s not panicksville” after the 81-56 embarrassment against Minnesota. Are we supposed to believe that? Well, if anyone is going to lead this team out of a massive slump, it’s going to be Izzo. He’s been in situations such as these before and he’s been able to lead Michigan State teams from the past out of lulls that have looked an awful lot like this one.

Michigan State is 0-3 in Big Ten play for the first time since 2001-02 and while that team turned things around and made the NCAA Tournament, this team just looks lost.

Is it because players are playing out of position? That probably has something to do with it. On the offensive end, the point guard spot seems like the main weakness and on defense, it’s the post. Michigan State doesn’t have the solid rotation of bigs that they were hoping to develop before the season began. Marcus Bingham Jr. has struggled, Malik Hall has had his moments, Julius Marble has been a bright spot, Thomas Kithier is non-existent offensively and Mady Sissoko hasn’t truly gotten a shot yet.

It’s time for some changes.

What should the starting five look like after a third consecutive loss?

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