Michigan State Basketball: What should starting 5 look like after 6-3 start?

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

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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Michigan State’s Joey Hauser, center, gets a rebound between Oakland’s Micah Parrish, left, and Jalen Moore during the first half on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.201213 Msu Oakland 019a /

Power forward: Joey Hauser

This is the biggest no-brainer in the starting five. Not only has Joey Hauser been one of the best newcomers in the Big Ten, he may very well be the Spartans’ best player this year.

Though he didn’t have his best game against Minnesota, shooting a mere 1-for-9 from the floor and 0-for-5 from deep, he’s not afraid to get his shots up and confidence isn’t an issue with him. Even when he’s missing, he’s not afraid to shoot and that’s something you have to admire.

Hauser finished with just six points and four rebounds in the ugly offensive effort, but he leads the team in scoring this season as he was averaging 14 points per game before Monday’s game.

Defensively, Hauser could afford to improve but he’s been very impressive offensively this year, shooting over 50 percent from the floor and 39 percent from deep — and that’s after a horrid shooting night against Minnesota.

Hauser has been the most consistent player for the Spartans this season and he has leadership qualities along with Aaron Henry, Joshua Langford and Rocket Watts.

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