Michigan State Basketball: Projected starting 5 post-Max Christie decision

Mar 20, 2022; Greenville, SC, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard A.J. Hoggard (11) reacts against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Michigan State forward Malik Hall dribbles against Davidson during the first half of the first round of NCAA tournament on Friday, March 18, 2022, in Greenville, South Carolina. /

Midway through last season, Malik Hall looked like Michigan State’s best player.

Fast forward to the NCAA Tournament and he was a shell of himself. The once-confident inside-out star for the Spartans couldn’t buy a bucket and he was lacking confidence all around. He has the ability to be a star for Michigan State but he needs consistency and confidence.

Entering his senior year, Tom Izzo is going to be praying that he gets the Malik from the Battle 4 Atlantis opener against Loyola Chicago through mid-February when his slump began.

If Michigan State can get that version of Malik, the Spartans should be very good on the wing.

Izzo talked about moving Hall out of the post and to the wing full time so that would start this season and would probably benefit him greatly. We’re going to see him take another step this season after putting up career-highs of 8.9 points and 4.6 rebounds and while he struggled at the end of the year, he still shot over 50 percent from the floor and 43 percent from deep.

Hall playing the wing and being able to guard small forward is only going to help his game.

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