Here we are, the final destination in my preseason rankings, and this year, it’s the Michigan State Spartans. Legendary head coach Tom Izzo returns 75.9% of minutes and 74.9% of scoring from last season’s team. This team has everything – experience, talent, depth, and exciting newcomers, and it has it at every position. Two top players are using their extra year of eligibility, two decided to return instead of going pro, and the Spartans bring in a top-10 recruiting class. There are no holes, and this team is set up for success and potentially a national championship.
You can check out every other team in my preseason top 25 rankings here.
Preseason College Basketball Rankings: #1 Michigan State Spartans
Let’s start with the Michigan State Spartans’ backcourt. Tyson Walker had a terrific season last year. He shot 48.1% from inside the arc while averaging 14.8 points per game and shot just under 80% from the free throw line. Walker is a dynamic three-level scorer. Alongside him is A.J. Hoggard. He has gotten better in each of his three years in East Lansing. While third on the team in scoring last season, he had the second-most assists and the second-highest assist percentage in the Big Ten. Completing the trio is Jaden Akins. He had the breakout season that people were anticipating. He almost tripled his scoring average and increased his stats across the board. Overall, the three of them together form arguably the country’s best and most talented backcourt trio.
Now to the front court. Malik Hall battled injuries last season that caused him to miss 11 games. The super senior has primarily come off the bench in his first four years as a Spartan but does have starting experience. If he stays healthy, it gives Izzo the option to play small ball if/when he wants. Also, Mady Sissoko returns at center. He is a big, strong presence in the post and was top 15 in rebounding in the Big Ten last season.
On top of that, Hall of Famer head coach Izzo brings in a top-10 recruiting class, featuring three players ranked in ESPN’s top 30 recruits. The biggest prize of the class is top-15 overall recruit Xavier Booker. At one point, some services ranked him as the number one recruit in the class. The five-star center is long and has great maneuverability for someone his size. Also, he has excellent range, having shot 36% from three in his junior year of high school. However, he will need to get bigger and stronger to really shine.
The next Spartans recruit is Coen Carr, a long and explosive at the small forward spot. He has the potential to be able to guard any position on defense. On offense, he is a good cutter when playing off the ball. Carr also has the experience of playing for the Team USA U18 3×3 team. Jeremy Fears comes from a family of basketball players. His dad, aunt, and grandmother all played basketball, and his little brother Jeremiah is currently a highly-rated recruit in the Class of 2025. He is a leader out on the court, no matter what team he’s on. He’s also really good at the point of attack. Fears won a gold medal this summer as a member of the U17 USA basketball team.
Projected Lineup
C – Mady Sissoko (5.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.8 BPG)
PF – Malik Hall (8.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG)
SG – Jaden Akins (9.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG)
PG – A.J. Hoggard (12.9 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 5.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG)
PG – Tyson Walker (14.8 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG)
