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Michigan State Basketball: 3 bold predictions for 2022 Big Ten Tournament

By Connor Muldowney

COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 03: Tyson Walker #2 and Gabe Brown #44 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrate a basket during the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena on March 03, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 03: Tyson Walker #2 and Gabe Brown #44 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrate a basket during the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena on March 03, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State’s Jaden Akins celebrates after drawing a Maryland foul during the second half on Sunday, March 6, 2022, at the Breslin Center.
Michigan State’s Jaden Akins celebrates after drawing a Maryland foul during the second half on Sunday, March 6, 2022, at the Breslin Center. /

2. Jaden Akins begins his rise to stardom

Jaden Akins has been a fun player to watch for Michigan State this season and it’s a shame he hasn’t been getting more minutes.

The freshman guard from Farmington is averaging 14.4 minutes per game which may not seem terrible, but he’s only played 20-plus minutes five times all season. That’s a shame because Michigan State is 5-0 when he plays at least 20 minutes and he just brings a ton of energy to the team as a shooter and incredible athlete on the defensive end. He’s a top-tier perimeter defender.

We’re going to see him get more minutes in the Big Ten tourney to get him ready for the NCAA Tournament and he’ll take full advantage.

Not only will Akins be the Spartans’ best perimeter defender, but he’ll also put up some points. He’s going to average at least double his season scoring numbers of 3.5 points and he’ll shoot over 40 percent from the floor and from deep. He’s going to become a huge bench producer.

Akins’ rise to stardom begins this weekend in Indianapolis.

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