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Michigan State basketball: Best-case scenario starting 5 for 2023-24

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan State guards Tyson Walker and guard A.J. Hoggard stand at half court during MSU's 98-93 overtime loss in the Sweet 16 on Thursday, March 23, 2023, in New York.Msuku 032323 Kd2542
Michigan State guards Tyson Walker and guard A.J. Hoggard stand at half court during MSU's 98-93 overtime loss in the Sweet 16 on Thursday, March 23, 2023, in New York.Msuku 032323 Kd2542 /
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Mar 23, 2023; New York, NY, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jaden Akins (3) drives to the basket against Kansas State Wildcats guard Desi Sills (13) in the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2023; New York, NY, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jaden Akins (3) drives to the basket against Kansas State Wildcats guard Desi Sills (13) in the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

Guard: Jaden Akins

Jaden Akins will have to be OK with playing a three-guard lineup once again in 2023-24 and I do believe that there was some concern regarding the way he was being utilized in the middle of the season, but he really grew into a great all-around player in the final weeks.

I’m hoping Akins has more ball-handling duties next season so he can hunt for his own shot and create for himself whether driving and scoring at the rim or pulling up for a jumper. He has the ability to score from anywhere on the floor which is why I think Michigan State needs him back more than anything else.

Akins finished the year averaging 9.7 points and 4.0 rebounds to go along with 1.2 assists but he shot an impressive 42 percent from deep. He only shot 42 percent from the floor, but I think that number goes up next season with him getting more comfortable driving to the rim

Athleticism sets him apart from everyone else in the starting five and I think he just needs to have a completely healthy offseason and he’ll be the team’s No. 2 scoring option.

If Akins returns, I think he does some big things next season.

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