Michigan State Basketball: Analyzing the Spartans’ rotation for 2018-19

Small Forward

Minutes Allocation (40 total): Matt McQuaid (18), Gabe Brown (12), Kenny Goins (5) and Kyle Ahrens (5)

The absence of Bridges opens up the three-spot for a multiple number of players to go after. For now, the 6’5 McQuaid is the favorite after waiting his turn to become a starter. He has good size and is a good defender, so it won’t be a mismatch for opponents to work with.

The curious thing with McQuaid is that he’s a one-trick pony on offense. There’s no doubt that he can space the floor but he’s also no threat to drive to the basket. If he’s on the court for an extended period of time, that may hurt the Spartan’s offense overall. He ultimately could serve best as a sixth man on the perimeter.

In order for that to work, top-100 recruit Brown would have to show that he can start and play extended minutes himself. At 6’8, the lefty can shoot it from deep while taking it to the basket. He can play multiple positions and explore mismatches of his own at the wings.

Ahrens should get a few minutes here as well while rising senior Goins will see some time here. His minutes dipped overall because of the depth of bigs last season, but the 6’6 forward will add much-needed rebounding after 13 rpg departed in the starting lineup.