Michigan State Basketball: 3 breakout candidates needed for tourney run

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 29: A.J. Hoggard #11 and Max Christie #5 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates in the second half of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Breslin Center on January 29, 2022 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/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. /

Jaden Akins is a player who has slowly earned his way into the rotation during Michigan State’s struggles. As Izzo slowly trimmed down his rotation from 10 players to eight, Akins saw himself get more and more playing time. When Hoggard and Walker went down in the Big Ten Tournament game against Purdue, he was one of the players called upon to step up with them off the court.

In the Spartans regular-season finale against Maryland, Akins only scored two points but was an astounding +22 when on the court. He brings the energy for this Spartan team, and this tenacity and ability to elevate the team is something desperately needed in March.

An issue for Akins has been the occasional “freshman” moment or over-aggressive foul. If he receives more playing time, it is crucial that he avoids foul trouble, as we need the talented freshman on the court. Additionally, Izzo likes to rely on seniority and their leadership during the tournament, and a freshman coming in and committing an over-aggressive foul will quickly lead to the bench.

Additionally, wouldn’t it be great to see Akins lead this team to the Sweet 16 or Elite Eight while Emoni Bates sits on the bench at Memphis?

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