Fansided

Michigan State basketball: Spartans ideal starting lineup for 2021-2022

By Mike Phillips

WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA - MARCH 18: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a play against the UCLA Bruins during the first half in the NCAA Basketball Tournament First Four round at Mackey Arena on March 18, 2021 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA - MARCH 18: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a play against the UCLA Bruins during the first half in the NCAA Basketball Tournament First Four round at Mackey Arena on March 18, 2021 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Michigan State basketball has a chance to bounce back quickly from a rough season with an intriguing starting lineup for the 2021-22 campaign.

While the Michigan State Spartans weren’t one of the blue bloods who missed out on March Madness, their stay in the Indianapolis bubble wasn’t very long. The Spartans blew an 11-point halftime lead before losing to UCLA in the First Four in a contest that was defined by a screaming match between Tom Izzo and Gabe Brown right before the break.

The fact that Michigan State actually made the tournament was a tremendous accomplishment for Izzo, who took a very flawed team that was completely out of whack thanks to a mid-season COVID pause and guided it to wins over Illinois, Michigan and Ohio State to earn a place in the field. The good news for the Spartans is that there shouldn’t be a ton of turnover in 2021, although one of the key departures could be Michigan State’s best player, Aaron Henry.

The Spartans were fortunate to get Henry back after he tested the draft waters a year ago but his strong finish to the season will likely be enough to tempt him to leave for the NBA. Joshua Langford’s return from a foot injury that essentially cost him two seasons was inspiring but it would also be unrealistic to expect him to return for a sixth year in East Lansing.

The rest of the roster should be back and will be joined by a stacked recruiting class, one that could gain a bigger boost if Emoni Bates, the top player in the 2022 class, opts to reclassify for the current season. Let’s take a look at what next season’s starting lineup could look like for the Spartans.

Michigan State basketball: Ideal starting lineup

Rocket Watts, Point Guard

Replacing Cassius Winston wasn’t easy for Izzo, who started with Rocket Watts at the point but gave time to Foster Loyer and A.J. Hoggard as well. Watts is the current favorite to start but he could be pushed by Jaden Akins, a four-star freshman from this year’s recruiting class. Akins will have to earn his minutes in Izzo’s system but there isn’t a ton blocking his path to playing time right now. A strong debut from Akins would give Michigan State a potential heir to Winston.

Max Christie, Shooting Guard

Langford was the starter at the two this year and is likely a goner to start a professional career overseas. His spot in the starting lineup will be filled nicely by Max Christie, the second-best shooting guard in this class who spurned offers from Duke and Michigan to commit to the Spartans. Christie is a long 6-foot-7 wing who is already a natural as a shooter. Time with Izzo will help Christie develop into an all-around star who could be a one-and-done candidate with a strong season.

Emoni Bates, Small Forward

This was Henry’s primary position but he is likely to go pro since there is little for Henry to gain by staying put for his senior year. The dream scenario would be for Bates to reclassify, giving Michigan State a stud wing who has drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant and a building block for Izzo to work with for the next two years since Bates can’t go to the NBA until the 2023 Draft.

That decision won’t come for a while, however, and if Bates waits until 2022 to go to college Izzo won’t be hurting for wing depth. Brown would factor into the minutes at the three while four-star freshman Pierre Brooks should have a key rotation role at the start of the season with the potential for more.

Julius Marble II, Power Forward

The four figures to be an open competition for the Spartans between Marble and Joey Hauser, with Malik Hall factoring in as well. The edge goes to Marble since he is a more versatile defender who brings energy when he is on the floor, a factor that earned Izzo’s trust early on.

Hauser is more capable on the offensive end but was a bit of a disappointment after sitting out the 2019-20 campaign after transferring in from Marquette. Expect plenty of bodies to circulate through the power forward spot as Izzo looks to mix and match his lineups.

Marcus Bingham, Center

The best option that the Spartans have at the five is Bingham, who came on towards the end of the season after struggling in his first two years as a Spartan. Bingham gives Michigan State a true rim protector with the potential to contribute more on the offensive end if he adds a bit more muscle to his 6-foot-11 frame.

Mady Sissoko should also be in the line for more playing time as a sophomore. A bout with COVID-19 hurt Sissoko’s development as a freshman and better health could see him become an important figure in the Spartans’ rotation next season.

Next. 15 classic March Madness games to watch on YouTube. dark

For more NCAA basketball news, analysis, opinion and features, check out more from the FanSided college basketball section to stay on top of the latest action.