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A couple of Michigan State basketball players earn major preseason recognition

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan State's Tyson Walker, left, and A.J. Hoggard, right, share a laugh on the bench during the second half in the game against Indiana on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.230221 Msu Indiana Bball 207a
Michigan State's Tyson Walker, left, and A.J. Hoggard, right, share a laugh on the bench during the second half in the game against Indiana on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.230221 Msu Indiana Bball 207a /
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A tale of two programs. That’s what it feels like in East Lansing with Michigan State basketball and Michigan State football.

The hoops team has plenty of hype surrounding it, led by a Hall of Fame coach who brings back an elite roster that made a Sweet 16 last year and the No. 4 recruiting class in the country. The football team is, well, reeling. Mel Tucker is heading toward being fired and the team is coming off a 41-7 home loss to Washington.

Overall, things in East Lansing are basketball-heavy these days.

More proof of that came on Wednesday as The Almanac released its Top 25 teams for the 2023-24 season as well as its top 100 players. Michigan State came in at No. 4 in their Top 25 rankings while two Spartans were named to the top-100 list of players for the upcoming season.

Two Michigan State basketball players make top 100

Tyson Walker came in at No. 10 in The Almanac’s top-100 player rankings and AJ Hoggard was No. 42. Walker was also named a third-team All-American.

This shouldn’t be all that surprising given the fact that Walker was one of the most clutch players in the nation last season. On a number of occasions, Michigan State relied heavily on the veteran guard to make big shots and be that go-to scorer down the stretch. Meanwhile, Hoggard was an elite facilitator and just a strong two-way player. He really came into his own at the end of the year.

Michigan State has one of the best backcourts in the nation led by these two along with Jaden Akins and the roster is about as balanced as it’s been in years.

The 2023-24 season could be a special one.

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