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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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Dec 4, 2020; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Rocket Watts (2) gets defended by Detroit Titans guard Bul Kuol (10) during the first half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2020; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Rocket Watts (2) gets defended by Detroit Titans guard Bul Kuol (10) during the first half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Shooting guard: Rocket Watts

Admitting that he’s not comfortable playing point guard is just the start for Rocket Watts. His honesty could help save the Spartans’ season and I think that Monday’s performance was his last instance of being forced into that role thanks to the play of AJ Hoggard at point.

With Hoggard looking like the best option to play point, Rocket should be able to slide over to that two-spot and play off the ball like he’s used to. It’s much more natural for him.

Rocket isn’t a point guard and Tom Izzo knew coming into the season that he was asking a lot from Watts to move into that role left vacant by Cassius Winston. It probably was going to be a long-shot to work and he knew it. But he tried anyways and nine games in, it’s time for a change.

With a backcourt of Hoggard and Watts, that’ll free up the sophomore to play off-ball screens and hunt for his shot. He doesn’t have to worry about running the offense and getting his teammates involved 24/7 anymore. He’s not built that way. He plays his best when he’s looking for his own shots and working himself open.

We should be able to see more catch-and-shoot Rocket Watts soon.

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