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Michigan State Basketball: Projected depth chart/rotation for 2023-24 season

By Trevor Sinodhinos

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’s Jaden Akins 220212 Msu Indiana Bball 209a
Michigan State’s Jaden Akins 220212 Msu Indiana Bball 209a /

Small Forward: Jaden Akins, Coen Carr and Jason Whitens

Jaden Akins: 9.8 ppg / 4 rpg /27.4 mpg

The shallowness of Coach Izzo’s depth begins to be revealed in the front court. A natural off-the-ball guard, the 6 foot 4 junior will start each game at the small forward position. His ability to play the two-guard is an asset and by default makes him the backup to Tyson Walker, as Akins is a better option than the aforementioned Tre Holloman.

Akins attempted just under nine field goals per game last season while connecting on forty-two percent of the four three-pointers he attempts per game. Akins is able to create space for open jumpers thanks to his ability to get to his spot just outside the paint using his ‘jab and go’ from beyond the arc. In the same fashion as Walker, Akin is able to spot up and get a rhythm shot off from beyond the arc when his defender sinks to help on the driving Hoggard, or when his defender doubles down on Sissoko.

Coen Carr:

If the No.26 ranked freshman utilizes his athleticism and aggressiveness in the same manner he did in high school, there is an opportunity to capture a fair amount of the minutes Joey Hauser occupied. There is no question that Coach Izzo would like the opportunity to play Atkins at off-guard at times as Walker slides to point and the presence of Carr will make that possible. Carr loves to finish at the rim, whether it is off his defensive efforts or taking his defender baseline. Carr could easily emerge as the Spartans’ most effective freshman.

Jason Whitens: 4.2 mpg

The 6 foot 4 forward will be playing his fifth season and his second since transferring from Western Michigan, where he averaged four points over three seasons. Whitens only tallied up 79 total minutes played last season. The departure of Pierre Brooks, who averaged 14 minutes. may create more playing opportunity for Whitens, but it is expected that Malik Hall will spend more time at the three spot than Whitens.

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