Michigan State basketball: 3 Spartans named 2022-23 All-Big Ten selections

At the beginning of the year, if I told you that three Michigan State basketball players would be dubbed All-Big Ten performers, you probably would have called me crazy.

That’s about 33 percent of the scholarship players on the roster.

But that was the case on Tuesday afternoon as the Big Ten named its all-conference first, second, and third teams along with the honorable mentions.

No Spartans made the first team which wasn’t a huge surprise although Tyson Walker made a late case for a spot. However, he was named a second-team All-Big Ten performer and AJ Hoggard was listed as a third-teamer. Joey Hauser was the snub of the year, getting listed as an honorable mention selection even though he was probably good enough this season to make the second or third team.

Honestly, listing Jett Howard on the third team over Hauser seems like a slap in the face to the most consistent player the Spartans have had all season but it’s not surprising to see him disrespected after the past two years.

Michigan State basketball getting hot at the right time

While recency bias might lead us to believe that Hauser, Walker, Hoggard, and even Jaden Akins all deserved to be All-Big Ten team selections, that just goes to show how hot this squad is right now.

Hoggard, Akins, and Walker have all been playing their best basketball of the season over the past couple of weeks and Hauser has remained consistent. They’re getting hot at the right time.

While Hauser probably should have been on one of the three All-Big Ten teams, he’s going to be one of the leading forces in a potential March run. Walker, too, will lead the way as he’s been one of the hottest players in the conference along with Hoggard and Akins.

If you’re searching for an NCAA Tournament dark horse, look no further than Michigan State.