Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. No. 4 Kentucky
![Nov 11, 2022; San Diego, California, US; Michigan State Spartans guard Tyson Walker (2) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at USS Abraham Lincoln. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports Nov 11, 2022; San Diego, California, US; Michigan State Spartans guard Tyson Walker (2) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at USS Abraham Lincoln. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/8ebfcfe88f2c0a242c1367f275cb5328d6538572d7a150558e710caeacb1902e.jpg)
2. The sophomore get hot off the bench
Michigan State’s sophomore class is slightly smaller than we expected because of the departure of Max Christie this past offseason, but it’s going to be quite effective all year long.
Pierre Brooks has proven to be a heck of a shooter and Jaden Akins is still shaking off the rust but both guys are capable of becoming stars for Michigan State this year. And I think they’ll both get their first tastes of the spotlight on Tuesday night to kick off the Champions Classic.
Akins will be the first guy off the bench and he’s going to finally start looking like the player we expected with no rust, scoring from everywhere on the floor and clamping down defensively.
Brooks will come in a little later and hit some big threes to ignite the offense.
Both guys are going to bring the energy and look like budding stars for Michigan State on the biggest stage.