NCAA Basketball: Top 15 pending decisions for 2022 NBA Draft

Mar 24, 2022; San Francisco, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) hugs Arkansas Razorbacks forward Jaylin Williams (10) after the game in the semifinals of the West regional of the men's college basketball NCAA Tournament at Chase Center. The Arkansas Razorbacks won 74-68. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

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Michigan State’s Max Christie NBA Draft NCAA Basketball Syndication Lansing State Journal /

12. Max Christie – Michigan State Spartans

2021-22 stats: 9.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.5 apg

Christie is a former five-star prospect that started every game for the Spartans this past season, tied for second on the team in scoring. But it was far from a perfect freshman campaign, as the guard shot under 40% from the field overall and just 32% from three-point range.

18 of the 35 games ended up in single-digits and even when leading scorer Gabe Brown struggled in the second half of the season, Christie remained inconsistent overall. But there were certainly moments where the freshman looked like he can be a star. He had 18 points in an early road win at Butler, as well as a season-high 21 points against Nebraska.

Christie and the tools and the measurables to be in the NBA and mocks have him towards the end of the 1st round of the NBA Draft. But imagine how far he can rise if he averages around 15 ppg as a sophomore? He has the ability to do so and currently, Michigan State doesn’t have anyone else on the roster that can do that unless AJ Hoggard has a massive breakout in his own right.

If Christie does stay in the draft, the Spartans will be in a rough spot offensively. They do return a good amount of depth but they’re currently looking for a center in the transfer portal and if the freshman guard goes, will also have to find a scoring perimeter option as well.

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