Michigan State Basketball: Spartans 2021-22 season preview and outlook
By Ryan Kay
Michigan State will have a deep bench this season
G – SO A.J. Hoggard (Projected 8th Man)
Hoggard in comparison to other traditional point guards is considered a stronger and bigger type of a point guard. At 6’3 and 210 pounds, he in glimpses last season, showing the ability to back down smaller points guards similar to what former Michigan State great Eric Snow did in his time in East Lansing. He also had shown at times a decisive quickness about him that allows him to drive and get into the paint and either make a mid-range jumper or pass the ball to a big man for a dunk or layup.
Somewhat similar to Brown, as witnessed last season, he is not a traditional spot-up shooter looking to put up 10 or more shots a game. He often prefers to get his shot off the dribble and or attack the rim looking to go to the line for the opportunity to make some free throws. He is not a great 3-point shooter as he shot just under 17% from beyond the arc last season but he can make the mid-range jumper. He is not a great pass-first point guard but having a full season and off-season with Izzo and his coaching staff should improve his pass-making skills this year.
Hoggard on defense, is able to rebound the ball well especially for a point guard even though the stats don’t back it up from last season. He by no means is a lockdown defender like how Henry was last season but he is able to get some steals as he has decent court vision and tries to anticipate passes fairly well in the half-court pack-line defense that Izzo runs. He is a sophomore and not a lot will be expected from him this season but he looks to be the primary backup to Walker and he may surprise some people especially if he is productive early in non-conference play.
G – FR Jaden Akins (Projected 9th Man)
Akins is a true freshman like Christie and Brooks and it is a little bit uncertain what his role will be for this season. He is 6’4 and can either play the point guard or shooting guard positions. He did not shoot well in the exhibition win against Ferris State going one for six from the field but that is only one game and in high school, he has shown the ability to score and shoot well from the outside.
He is expected to get five to ten minutes to start the season but injuries’ or good play to begin the season can increase his playing time. Due to him being able to play multiple positions bodes well for him and he has the potential to contribute for the Spartans this season. If he can defend well and be able to hit the open three-point shot, he can be a factor once Big Ten play begins.
C – SO Mady Sissoko (Projected 10th Man)
Sissoko stands at 6-foot-9 and weighs 235 pounds which will make a strong presence in the paint. He didn’t play many minutes as a freshman last season only playing ten or more minutes three times. This season he will look to run the floor in the Spartans fast-paced transition offense and he hopes to make strides this year with regards to his mobility to defend big men in the post and the ability to make baskets in the paint. He appears to not become a dominating force for the Spartans this season but he can become a solid contributor this season as a sophomore.
If Sissoko continues to learn the offense and more importantly if he can create turnovers by blocking shots that led to transitional baskets for Michigan State as well as rebound the ball on defense, he can play around ten minutes a game for the Spartans this year. Michigan State has quality, dependable big men but none are proven starters which give players like Sissoko the opportunity to earn increased playing time.
Long term, he is one of the most intriguing players for the Spartans this season and he can surprise some by starting some games towards the end of the season at the center position.