NCAA Basketball: 2021-22 Christmas wishlist for each top 25 team

14. Michigan State Spartans – Max Christie taking the next step

The Spartans have out-performed their preseason expectations to this point, without Northeastern transfer Tyson Walker scoring much or forward Joey Hauser having much of an impact. Forwards Malik Hall, Gabe Brown, and Marcus Bingham have taken big steps on both ends, allowing Michigan State to win some ugly games to this point.

But for them to truly be a contender in the Big Ten, they’ll need the guards to be more of a factor offensively. Mainly Max Christie, who leads all the backcourt players with 9.4 ppg on 37% shooting from the field. Although inconsistent, the former five-star prospect does have an 18-point game against Butler and 17 points versus Oakland so Christie does have the potential to be that lead offensive option in the backcourt. If he continues to develop and become that, Michigan State really could make a deep run in March.

13. Ohio State Buckeyes – Justice Sueing coming back and having an impact

E.J. Liddell (20.7 ppg and 7.2 rpg) has been playing at an All-American level and forwards Zed Key and Kyle Young has been admirable. But with the backcourt guards not elite scorers at this point, the Buckeyes lack the balance needed to make a run in March.

It would help to get back Justice Sueing, a 6’7 combo forward that averaged 10.7 ppg and 5.5 rpg last season as a starter. He’s been injured most of this season but reportedly is set to return soon. Ohio State needs another player that can create their own offense and take pressure off of Liddell.