Michigan State basketball: 3 takeaways from scary win over Portland

Nov 15, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo has a moment with Michigan State Spartans guard A.J. Hoggard (11) during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 3

Nov 11, 2022; San Diego, California, US; Michigan State Spartans guard Pierre Brooks (1) reacts after a three-point basket during the second half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at USS Abraham Lincoln. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Pierre Brooks has earned more minutes

There haven’t been many players more impressive this weekend than Pierre Brooks. The sophomore wing came in needing to step up with Malik Hall and Jaden Akins out and he was inserted into the starting lineup on Thanksgiving and held his own right away.

Though he didn’t score a ton in his first start against Alabama, he averaged 15 points against Oregon and Portland to end the tournament. He has turned into a legit scoring threat.

Michigan State ran out a lot of lineups without scoring threats but seeing Brooks develop into a confident scorer and willing shooter was a major positive. He could be that guy who comes off the bench all season long when everyone is healthy and score 10-15 points a night. He has “big-time scorer” written all over him.

Brooks hit some big shots all night long and he finished 4-for-4 from deep and 5-for-7 from the field. He also has been strong on the glass all tournament long.

I feel like Brooks needs to play 20 minutes per game and this tourney showed why.

Home/Spartans Basketball