NCAA Basketball: Ranking of top 25 team backcourts for 2023-24 season

3. Michigan State Spartans

There’s a ton of hype for Michigan State entering the upcoming season, thanks to a trio of decisions to return for another year among the veteran starting core. The only guard that left the Big Ten program this offseason was Pierre Brooks, who averaged 3.6 ppg and 1.7 rpg in 14 mpg off the bench.

Who is back is Tyson Walker, a star guard who led the Spartans with 14.8 ppg, making 42% from three-point range. Walker went for 30 points against Purdue, along with 31 versus Iowa in overtime. AJ Hoggard is the “point guard” of the group, coming off averaging 12.9 ppg and 5.9 apg, including a trio of 10+ assist games. Jaden Akins was an efficient third option in the backcourt, going for 9.8 ppg on 42% shooting from deep.

The team also adds a pair of four-star freshmen guards in Jeremy Fears Jr., as well as Gehrig Normand. Fears is a top-40 point guard, while Gehrig is known for being a sharpshooter. Tre Holloman is also a returning piece that should compete for minutes.

This is one of the best pure shooting backcourts in the country and if Michigan State truly is a top-5 team throughout the year, don’t be surprised if Walker gets in the All-American conversation.