Michigan State vs Kentucky: 5 questions in 2019 Champions Classic game

Michigan State vs. Kentucky: 5 questions for 2019 Champions Classic game

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 06: Tom Izzo the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans gives instructions to his team against the Kansas Jayhwaks during the State Farm Champions Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 6, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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MARIETTA, GA – MARCH 25: Tyrese Maxey reacts during the 2019 Powerade Jam Fest on March 25, 2019 in Marietta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images for Powerade) /

2. Will Tyrese Maxey be the go-to-freshmen for the Wildcats in this match-up?

Tyrese Maxey is one of Calipari’s top freshmen from the Class of 2019. In Kentucky’s first 2 exhibition games, Maxey performed well. He scored 14 points in their exhibition against Georgetown (KY) and seven against Kentucky State. Kentucky year after year as a go-to-freshmen and it looks like Maxey will be that guy for the WIldcats.

Maxey, whose a lengthy guard, can shoot the ball at a high clip. He started the 2nd exhibition game against Kentucky St, but still looked good against Georgetown (KY). People will obviously have lots of questions about Kentucky early on, but with Maxey, Kentucky will have fewer worries about seeing contributions from the freshmen.

Maxey is only listed as a tad over 6 feet fall (6’2). For the SEC, that isn’t the ideal height for a guard, but for Maxey, this can confuse defenders and cause questions for the Spartans defense. Non-conference games for opponents people aren’t used to their normal taller competition, so Maxey will be at an advantage. My question for Maxey will be when he is up against a taller guard, can be got by and score in the paint or will he be able to distribute the ball to others on the floor.

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