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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 19, 2023; Columbus, OH, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Joey Hauser (10) looks to shoot defended by Marquette Golden Eagles guard Chase Ross (5) in the first half at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2023; Columbus, OH, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Joey Hauser (10) looks to shoot defended by Marquette Golden Eagles guard Chase Ross (5) in the first half at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

Forward: Joey Hauser, Senior

Obviously this is titled “best-case scenario” starting five, so that would mean Joey Hauser would be back at the forward spot. He had his best collegiate season in 2022-23 and really had one of the best redemption stories in MSU history.

Not many players can go from heavily criticized and ridiculed to universally loved in a span of a year, but Hauser did just that.

Choosing to come back for one more season last offseason was his best career move as he posted career-highs in points (14.4) and rebounds (7.0) while shooting 48 percent from the floor, 46 percent from deep, and 88 percent from the free throw line — all were career-bests.

Michigan State could use Hauser back at the four because he’s one of the best knockdown shooters that the program has seen in years. His confidence skyrocketed this season.

While I don’t see him coming back (and he pretty much said his farewell on Instagram), I think there’s a one percent chance he changes his mind.

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