3 improvements Michigan State basketball must make ahead of upcoming tough stretch

Jan 19, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA;  Michigan State Spartans guard Jaden Akins (3) and forward Frankie Fidler (8) celebrate as the clock expires and the Michigan State Spartans defeat the Illinois Fighting Illini at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images
Jan 19, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jaden Akins (3) and forward Frankie Fidler (8) celebrate as the clock expires and the Michigan State Spartans defeat the Illinois Fighting Illini at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images | Dale Young-Imagn Images
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2. Get Xavier Booker going

This is one of the most important improvements that needs to be made in the upcoming stretch because it feels like whenever Xavier Booker is playing well, the team thrives.

If Booker is off, it almost spreads to other players. It's also an attitude thing.

There's no denying the fact that Booker is one of the most purely talented guys on the roster so when he's not giving his full effort or his body language is just not cutting it, it rubs off on other guys. When he's on, though, and giving maximum effort, the team really takes it to opponents. All you have to do is look at the North Carolina and Ohio State games for examples of that.

Michigan State needs to make sure he's getting open shots on the perimeter to help him improve that 3-point percentage and he also needs to be utilized more on the fast break because he gets down the floor in a hurry and is often open streaking the lane. Get him the ball.

Booker averages 6.2 points and 2.9 rebounds but if he can get up more toward the 8-9 points per game range with 4-5 rebounds in the next month, Michigan State will be in good shape.