Michigan State basketball: Projected starting 5 with Malik Hall returning

It feels like I’m doing a new starting five projection every week now with Michigan State basketball’s roster getting more and more updates.

Tyson Walker announced his official return on Monday and then Malik Hall followed that up with his announcement on Tuesday. Both of those guys impact the projected starting five next season and a lineup that I once had at least one underclassman in now looks to be veteran-ridden.

What will the starting five look like next season with Hall officially back?

Tom Izzo said in his yearly post-season presser that AJ Hoggard could test NBA draft waters to get some feedback, but I fully expect the senior point guard to return.

At 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, Hoggard was one of the toughest point guard matchups in the entire Big Ten because not only did he add a serviceable (not great) jumper, but he could drive to the lane with his big frame or he could post up smaller guards. He was a handful for opposing guards and it was the reason he had a career year, averaging 12.9 points and 5.9 assists.

Hoggard improved in just about every category from points, to assists, to rebounds, and he even shot 11 percent better from 3-point range and 17 percent better from the free throw line.

With AJ back, the Spartans will have arguably the best point guard in the conference and a guy who could make the All-Big Ten first team and, with an added long-range shot, one of the best guards in the entire nation.