Big Ten Basketball: Analyzing each team’s 2021-22 opening night matchup

Kansas versus Michigan State

The vast majority of the games that Big Ten teams are involved in on opening night are glorified exhibitions games that – while count- are pretty much easy victories and will be used to tighten up their game and get some subs in, so fans should not get too excited about a win.

The vast majority that is, except for Michigan State. The Spartans will take on the Kansas Jayhawks on Tuesday at 7pm (ET) on ESPN as part of the Champions Classic.  Even with the absence of Jalen Wilson from the Jayhawks’ lineup, a win Tuesday will be very impressive for the Spartans.

Potential warning sign: Interior defense is going to be an issue once again this season for the Spartans. The combination of Marcus Bingham Jr, Julius Marble, and Mady Sissoko had their difficulties defending bigger frontcourts last season. With that in mind, they are more valuable defending the paint than the perimeter. In their exhibition games versus smaller opponents, Tom Izzo was not hesitant in letting his frontcourt – in particular, Bingham Jr – switch off of screens.

After the screen and roll the mismatches that were a result of the switch did not hurt the Spartans, but come bigger opponents in the Big Ten, if the Spartans continue to switch on all screens defending the paint will be even more difficult as well as getting the defensive rebound.

For continued success: One of the aspects that plagued Coach Izzo last season is that he did not have a true point guard to run the offense. Rocket Watts is a talented player who will do great things at Mississippi State, but he is more of an off-guard. Foster Loyer who lacks nothing when it comes to hustle and determination were limited – in comparison – skill-wise.

This season, Coach Izzo may also not know who his point guard is, but that is because he has options. For the Spartans to have success throughout non-conference play and into the Big Ten schedule, Tyson Walker and A.J Hoggard have to be true point guards. In their first exhibition victory, Walker had six points, five assists, and three turnovers as Hoggard had five points, 4 assists, and one turnover.

Then in an 83-60 victory over Grand Valley State, Walker scored four had six assists and zero turnovers while Hoggard had nine points five assists, and one turnover. Win or lose versus Kansas Michigan State will need a point guard if they are to compete in the Big Ten.