Michigan State basketball: Realistic starting 5 projections for 2023-24

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COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 19: Tyson Walker #2 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a basket against the Marquette Golden Eagles during the second half in the second round game of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 19, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

If I were to venture a guess, I’d say that Tyson Walker is back next season and he’ll probably have an even bigger role offensively.

It felt like the senior guard didn’t get comfortable in his role until midway through the Big Ten season. He first flashed his elite potential as a go-to scorer in clutch situations against Purdue at home when he scored 30 points on 12-of-23 shooting. He then scored 31 in an overtime loss to Iowa on the road. Lastly, he dropped 23 on Marquette in the Round of 32.

Walker was that go-to scorer that the Spartans needed and he helped lead the team to a surprise Sweet 16 berth with that incredible showing against Marquette in the second round.

A return for Walker would be great for the Spartans on both ends of the floor. It just feels like he’s going to return next season and I wouldn’t be shocked to see him in that starting five in late fall.

Walker is the kind of player who could average 17-18 points per game (he needs to shoot more) and push for the Big Ten Player of the Year award.

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