Michigan State basketball: Projected starting lineup for 2022-2023

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 20: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans talks with Gabe Brown #44 of the Michigan State Spartans in the second half against the Duke Blue Devils during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 20, 2022 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 20: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans talks with Gabe Brown #44 of the Michigan State Spartans in the second half against the Duke Blue Devils during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 20, 2022 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
Mar 20, 2022; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Trevor Keels (1) carries the ball against Michigan State Spartans forward Joey Hauser (10) in the second half during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2022; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Trevor Keels (1) carries the ball against Michigan State Spartans forward Joey Hauser (10) in the second half during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

What does the potential Michigan State lineup look like?

The projected lineup excludes the players that the Spartans are probable to lose to the draft or the transfer portal. The potential starters are:

AJ Hoggard, PG

Hoggard is expected to return as a starter. Despite his shooting inconsistencies, Hoggard is aggressive and is one of the few players who is able to get deep into the paint and draw a foul at the basket. He has reduced his turnovers and has worked on his ball-handling skills. If he is able to improve his shot, Hoggard can see himself starting all season.

Jaden Akins, Guard

Akins would take over the off-guard position with his size and speed as big advantages. Akins is fast on his feet, a tenacious defender and good rebounder considering his size. If Akins is able to work on his shot during the offseason, he would be a strong two-guard for the Spartans.

Malik Hall, Forward

Hall is one of the best two-way players in the conference, so why not have him as a starter. For most of last season, Hall came off the bench but is still one of the program’s most versatile players.

Izzo may use the transfer portal to try and fill the other forward and center positions. There are potential players that could fill the center position, such as Julius Marble, but too much is still up in the air.

Related Story. Michigan State Basketball: Way-too-early projected starting 5 for 2022-23. light