Predicting Michigan State basketball’s starting 5 after trip to Spain

Center: Jaxon Kohler

Last up is the position with the most competition. Three guys could realistically win the starting spot at center including Carson Cooper, Jaxon Kohler, and transfer Szymon Zapala.

I for one was shocked to see that Zapala was hinted at being the current starter before the team’s trip to Spain, and that continued during the trip as he started two of the tree games. But Zapala didn’t show me enough to feel like he’s earned the starting spot.

Kohler on the other hand did.

Kohler stepped up in Spain and averaged 12 points per game which is more than I ever expected from him right now. But even more impressively he knocked down a handful of 3-pointers throughout all three games as well.

His ability to score consistently in the post and hit the outside shot is the reason he has to be the starter in my eyes. Neither Cooper or Zapala have proven they can do either of those things yet, so Kohler has to get the nod in my opinion.

Kohler unfortunately might be the weakest defender out of these three guys, so both Cooper and Zapala will see significant minutes for that reason. But Michigan State’s ceiling is at its highest when Kohler’s in the game, so hopefully that’s how the season pans out.