NCAA Basketball: 5 impactful under-the-radar recruits for 2019-20

Malik Hall, SF/PF, Michigan State

Another player benefiting from an early departure, Hall figures to have a big role right away for the Spartans given their lack of frontcourt depth – a problem that was made worse by the somewhat unexpected departure of Nick Ward.

Xavier Tillman is Michigan State’s only returning big man from the rotation and, while the Spartans have one of the best incoming recruiting classes in the Big Ten, size will still be an issue for this group.

That is where Hall figures to come into play. The 6-7 forward can play both side and out thanks to his strength and ball-handling skills. Hall fits the Tom Izzo-mold because there are no real weaknesses in his game. He has consistent three-point range, excels at driving to the basket, holds his own on defense, and grabs his fair share of rebounds.

Hall looks like he’ll be one of those freshmen Izzo can rely on right away. He may not be great at any one singular thing, but he’s really good at a lot of them and should emerge as a really impactful glue guy. Since the Spartans plan to go small this year, his ability to be a small-ball four will be crucial to Michigan State’s success.