Michigan State Basketball: 3 keys for Spartans in 2021-22 matchup vs Kansas

Michigan State will have height and size advantages at the guard positions possibly throughout the game.

A.J. Hoggard is 6’4″ and 210 pounds and Jaden Akins is 6’4″ as well. On the wing, Gabe Brown is 6’8″ 215 pounds, while Malik Hall is 6’8″ 225 pounds. Christie as mentioned early is 6’6″ and the only guard likely to play significant minutes that is considered smaller is Tyson Walker at 6’0 and 175 pounds. Kansas’s guards in comparison are smaller in height and weight.

Remy Martin is 6’0″ and 175 pounds,  Dajuan Harris 6’1″ and 170 pounds,  Kyle Cuffe Jr. is 6’2 and 180 pounds,  Joseph Yesufu 6’0″ and 180 pounds, and Bobby Pettiford is 6’1 and 190 pounds. Martin and Harris should be the starting backcourt for the Jayhawks and Ochai Agbaji who is 6’5 and 215 pounds will probably start at the three-spot.

Jalen Wilson would have started at the four-spot but he will not play in Kansas’s first four games. Mitch Lightfoot or maybe even Cam Martin will more than likely start at the four-spot.

The Spartans can at times put out a lineup of Hoggard, Walker, and Brown and look to post up the smaller Jayhawk guards. Kansas head coach Bill Self knows Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo for a long time and will be prepared for this but if the Spartans at times can get the smaller Jayhawk guards in foul trouble early and be able to score in the post it would benefit Michigan State greatly. Even if Hoggard and Brown are posting up the smaller guards and not scoring, they can dish the ball out to Christie and Walker for some open three-point opportunities.