Projecting the starting 5 for Michigan State basketball in 2024-25

Shooting guard: Jaden Akins

This is the spot I think everyone will agree with. Jaden Akins is the lone returing starter from this past season, and that starting spot will not be going anywhere for him.

Akins is coming off a pretty up-and-down season where he averaged 10.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. However, with Tyson Walker and AJ Hoggard no longer in the lineup, the opportunities for Akins to shine will skyrocket this season.

I beieve we will see Akins on the ball a lot more this season compared to the past where he has mainly been a catch and shoot type of player. I still think Akins will excel in the offense as a legit 3-point shooting threat, but this year will finally be the year where we see Izzo run some pick-and-roll with Akins as the ball handler.

If this team is going to be special next season, they will need a big jump from Akins. If Akins can increase his scoring output up to about 15 points per game, then Michigan State will be in the running for a Big Ten championship.