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Big Ten Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2023-24 season

By Tristan Freeman

Michigan State Spartans' A.J. Hoggard (11) Mady Sissoko (22), Tyson Walker (2) and forward Malik Hall (25) during the 69-60 win over Marquette in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Columbus, Ohio, March 19, 2023.Msumarq 031923 Kd6623 MSU huddle
Michigan State Spartans' A.J. Hoggard (11) Mady Sissoko (22), Tyson Walker (2) and forward Malik Hall (25) during the 69-60 win over Marquette in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Columbus, Ohio, March 19, 2023.Msumarq 031923 Kd6623 MSU huddle /
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Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Michigan State Spartans

2022-23 season record: 21-13 (11-8)

For the past two offseasons, head coach Tom Izzo has completely shunned the transfer portal. But it makes complete sense this time around, as they’re projected to have a top-5 overall team next season. The only losses from the roster they have are backup wing Pierre Brooks and forward Joey Hauser.

Everyone else should be back for the Spartans, though we’re waiting for both AJ Hoggard and Jaden Akins to come back from the NBA Draft process. Leading scorer Tyson Walker is back for a 5th year, as well as wing Malik Hall after an injury-plagued past season. All of the centers are back as well, including starter Mady Sissoko and Jaxon Kohler.

Also joining the team is a top-5 incoming recruiting class. Top-60 guards Coen Carr and Gehrig Normand are capable of playing in case one of those two veterans stays in the NBA Draft, while top-30 guard Jeremy Fears Jr. may be too good to not play as a freshman. And Xavier Booker is a five-star big man ranked in the top-10 overall.

Coach Izzo turned what looked like an “okay” roster into a Sweet 16 team and the last one standing in the Big Ten. With this group he has, next season’s expectations should be around a Final Four run.

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