Michigan State Basketball: Projected starting 5 after Tyson Walker pledge

This is where the guessing game really comes into play. Some believe that Emoni Bates will reclassify and join the team ahead of next season, and if that does happen, I could see Michigan State going with a smaller lineup with Gabe Brown and him at the two forward spots. That would give Michigan State one of the most athletic starting fives in the nation.

For now, I’m going with Malik Hall based on how well he ended the 2020-21 season.

Over the final two games of the season, he averaged 14.5 points and five rebounds, shooting 11-for-15 from the floor. He was pretty much automatic around the rim and even stepped out to hit both of his 3-point attempts. If he can add a consistent 3-point jumper to his game, he could be a legit two-way threat next season.

Hall is also an impressive athlete who can clean up the glass, block the occasional shot and go up strong around the rim — he just needs to work on his touch from inside the paint.

As a junior, he could be the best option at power forward and Tom Izzo liked what he saw from him at the end of the year, playing him at least 23 minutes in each of the final three games. He’s heading into his junior year with a ton of confidence. It’s clear he can be a difference-maker.