Michigan State Basketball: Way-too-early starting 5 projections for 2022-23

Michigan State Basketball: Way-too-early projected starting 5 for 2022-23

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 12: Malik Hall #25 of the Michigan State Spartans fights for position for a rebound against Sasha Stefanovic #55 of the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half of a Men's Big Ten Tournament Semifinals game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 12, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Purdue Boilermakers won the game 75-70 over the Michigan State Spartans. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /

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Michigan State’s guard Jaden Akins (3) gets around Davidson’s guard Hyunjung Lee (1) during the NCAA Div. 1 Men’s Basketball Tournament preliminary round game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Friday, March 18, 2022.Jg Michdav 031822 019 /

This might seem a little surprising given the fact that Michigan State wouldn’t have two forwards and a center like a traditional starting five, but next year’s team is going to be much smaller if Gabe Brown, Joey Hauser, nor Marcus Bingham Jr. return. That will open up the option to run a three-guard lineup with a point and two wings which I think could actually help stretch the floor.

Jaden Akins is my favorite to start on the opposite wing of Max Christie and the other star sophomore will have a breakout season as both a sharpshooter and an athletic specimen.

We saw bits and pieces of what Akins was capable of this season as he was able to make all the right plays on the defensive end, always gave it 100 percent, and could shoot lights out. He is just scratching the surface and I think he’s only going to be better with AJ Hoggard allowing him to slip open for open shots.

Akins had just three points in this year’s NCAA Tournament and averaged 3.4 points and 2.4 rebounds but when I tell you that he has serious star potential, I truly mean it.

We could see him add to an explosive starting five.

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