Spartan Avenue
Fansided

Michigan State Basketball: Ideal starting 5 for 2021 NCAA Tournament

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan State takes the floor during the 68-57 loss to Maryland in the Big Ten tournament on Thursday, March 11, 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.Msu Mary
Michigan State takes the floor during the 68-57 loss to Maryland in the Big Ten tournament on Thursday, March 11, 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.Msu Mary /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Michigan State’s Malik Hall celebrates a 3-pointer against Michigan during the first half on Sunday, March 7, 2021, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.210307 Msu Um 051a
Michigan State’s Malik Hall celebrates a 3-pointer against Michigan during the first half on Sunday, March 7, 2021, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.210307 Msu Um 051a /

Sometimes you have to go with the hot hand in order to spark something in a lineup and I thought that was Joey Hauser heading into the Big Ten Tournament, but after watching the game versus Maryland, the one forward who stood out was Malik Hall.

So in the post, I’m going with Hall as the top option at power forward.

Hall scored a season-high 19 points and looked like the only player making sure Michigan State didn’t get run out of the gym. The Spartans weren’t exactly in the game in the second half but Hall kept things interesting and made sure they didn’t get completely out of hand, making 8-of-12 shots from the floor, 2-of-2 from 3-point range and grabbing five rebounds.

More of this, please.

If Hall can use that as momentum heading into the NCAA Tournament, the starting lineup could get a huge boost, especially in the post. An aggressive Hall who can finish around the hoop and can occasionally step out to hit a three is a scary sight for defenses. Plus, when he’s not fouling, he’s a solid defender.

A starting lineup with Hall in the post may give Michigan State its highest ceiling, especially if Hauser can come off the bench with an offensive spark.

Home/Spartans Basketball