Michigan State Basketball: 3 keys to victory against No. 4 Purdue
By Nate Rhoades
2. Changes need to happen to the starting lineup
After the last game, Tom Izzo mentioned that something has to change. A follow-up question was about whether that would be changes to the lineup and the minutes played and Izzo’s response was that is none of your business.
Even though it was none of our business, that has been the talk of the week. What would these changes be? These changes have to start with the starting lineup. The starters against Iowa on Tuesday night scored a whopping 19 points. Hall alone scored 17 points.
The five starters should be AJ Hoggard, Tyson Walker, Max Christie, Malik Hall, and Marcus Bingham. With the rotational players being Julius Marble, Joey Hauser, Keon Coleman, Jaden Akins, and Gabe Brown.
Brown’s minutes should be limited until he shows that he wants to be on the court. The senior leaders have not been there for the team so that is why Brown should not be in the starting lineup. Bingham is only in the starting lineup because he has been efficient in shutting down the big men in league games.
If this is the starting lineup, it gives the Spartans the best chance to go up by 10 early instead of digging their grave and going down by 10. With this smaller lineup, the Spartans can get out in transition quicker and there are plenty of shooters for the offense to get going early.