#Michigan basketball roster 2017 how to#

#Michigan basketball roster 2017 how to#

But if they can find out how to breakthrough those issues, he could be a great point guard for the Spartans and provides the most shooting available at the point guard position. Maybe that was because of his size, or maybe it’s a different mental issue. It just seemed like he never felt confident and comfortable this past season as the lead guard. The shooting is there, the passing is there, the ball-handling is there. However, there were flashes when he played more aggressive and looked liked someone who could be a solid Big Ten point guard. The only problem: He averaged 2.1 3s per game, and he often looked timid and hesitant. Tyson Walker shot 47.3% from 3 last year. Everyone involved would probably feel better inserting a more seasoned player here, but Kohler isn’t a slouch by any means. He can pass, score and defend the rim some. I think Kohler’s game is already more polished than Mady’s, so he may get the nod even as a freshman.

But that hasn’t happened yet, so it looks like freshman Jaxon Kohler might be put into that position unless they would prefer to use Mady Sissoko here. Most fans thought that the starting center position would be filled by a transfer. I think this actually helps the rotation quite a bit and offers some more theoretical shooting, if he can play to his potential finally. After some frustrating years in East Lansing, Joey Hauser is back for one more year after finishing last season with momentum. With Hauser back, this could be Hall’s chance to finally seize that starting small forward spot. If he can work on consistency this summer and find some more fire and attitude in his game, he could be a strong forward for Izzo’s Spartans. It seemed Izzo was frustrated with this inconsistency, too, which is why Hall came off the bench for most of the season despite being, clearly, one of their most versatile and skilled players.

At other times, sometimes for games at a time, he disappears on the court. Someone who can rebound, defend, make his own shots and drill 3s. At times, he looks like one of the best two-way players in the conference. Malik Hall is a good microcosm of the recent inconsistent play we have seen from the Spartans. I think that Izzo will use him in this spot, and let Hoggard and Walker battle for point guard minutes along with Tre Holloman.Īkins needs to improve his shooting, but his defense and athleticism already makes him a solid replacement for Christie in this spot. Max Christie is gone, and that opens opportunities for Jaden Akins. If he can’t, it might make the spacing difficult in a lineup that lacks shooting. If he improves his shot, he will be the surefire starter all year. He is aggressive, keeps the team running in transition and plays with an edge. Hoggard made a huge jump when he started taking care of the ball and limiting turnovers. Hoggard is physical and a supremely talented passer who is one of the few players on the team who can consistently get deep in the paint and draw a foul attacking the basket. It feels like the obvious answer that Hoggard will be the starter based on how last season went. This group of players has not yet tasted the thrill of winning a Big Ten championship or making a substantive run in the NCAA Tournament.īelow, we take a look at where the roster stands and how the rotation might look following the news that Max Christie is leaving. He has a roster that is now a few years removed from the success of Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman Sr. That leaves Tom Izzo in an interesting position. Joey Hauser, however, will stay for one more year. Julius Marble, long presumed to be the next starting center, also plans to transfer. We learned Monday that Max Christie will do the same. and Gabe Brown are moving on to the next phase of their basketball careers. Long-time assistant coach Dwayne Stephens is leaving. It feels as though we are reaching a turning point with Michigan State basketball.