Spartan Avenue
Fansided

Michigan State Basketball: Final starting 5 projections for 2021-22 season

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan State's Max Christie moves with the ball against Ferris State during the first half on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.211027 Msu Ferris 107a
Michigan State's Max Christie moves with the ball against Ferris State during the first half on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.211027 Msu Ferris 107a /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Feb 9, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Joey Hauser (20) backs down Penn State Nittany Lions guard Myles Dread (2) during the first half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Joey Hauser (20) backs down Penn State Nittany Lions guard Myles Dread (2) during the first half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

This one was a little tougher to predict than the backcourt as Joey Hauser and Malik Hall each got a start in the two exhibition games at power forward, but I think Tom Izzo likes the Marquette transfer’s connection with Tyson Walker.

Hauser had a solid start to the 2020-21 season and it seemed like he was going to exceed everyone’s expectations, but he struggled mightily in the latter stages of Big Ten play. He was a turnover machine when he got the ball in the post and he just got bullied on the defensive end. He averaged 9.7 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting a solid percentage from the floor.

But Izzo needs more from him this season on both ends if he’s going to be the full-time starting four. He can’t afford to regress like he did in his first year with the Spartans.

If he does, Hall will be waiting to take his spot.

Hauser has the ability to shoot lights out and if he can work on his back-to-basket game, he can be a dangerous offensive threat all year. He should improve this year, but how much?

Home/Spartans Basketball